James Leslie Normile

James Leslie Normile, Captain, USMC, Ret.

Emerald Isle, NC, December 15, 1959 – July 2, 2026

James, a highly decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, passed away peacefully on July 2 ,2026 at the age of 66. He was a man defined by his unwavering loyalty, his profound love for his family, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Born in Trenton, New Jersey to Leslie & Elizabeth Sutton Normile, James learned the values of hard work and community early in life. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served for 20 years.

During his exceptional military career, James completed tours in Beruit, Lebanon, Grenada, Liberia, Panama, Iraq, Haiti and many other locations. He served in the CI/HUMINT Company in many different capacities, earning a reputation for impeccable leadership and unflinching courage. For his heroism and commendable acts, he was awarded the two Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, five awards of Navy Achievement Medal, three Combat Action Ribbons, the Navy & Marine Corps and the Israeli Parachutist insignias. He approached every military challenge with the core characteristics of Semper Fidelis, leaving a lasting impact on those that served with him.

Following his honorable discharge and retirement, James sought a new way to serve his community. He began a career in the real estate industry, using the leadership, integrity, and discipline skills he honed while in the Marine Corps. For over thirteen years, he was a fixture in the Jacksonville, NC real estate market. He was the owner of Jacksonville Realty Group, Inc & Broker in Charge at RE/MAX Home Connections and Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, Towne Pointe. James earned many awards and acclimations in real estate. He also worked hard to obtain his Bachelor degree in Real Estate and Masters in Business Administration. He became a professional real estate instructor to teach others how to excel in real estate. Whether helping a young family find their first starter home, guiding a fellow veteran through the home-buying process or teaching a new real estate agent, James was known for his fierce advocacy, honesty, and tireless work ethic. He treated everyone he encountered the same respect and dedication he showed his country.

Beyond his professional life, James was a devoted family man, a proud Husband, Father, Papa, Brother, and Uncle. He loved his community and Town of Emerald Isle. He has served as a Town Commissioner, a member of the Planning Board and Economic Development Strategic Plan Steering Committee, Carteret County Board of Equalization & Review, Carteret County Economic Development Council and Beach Renourishment Council. He loved spending time on the boat, fishing with his wife or doing canon balls with the grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Elaine; his children, Penny Lanier (Ivy), Samuel Sumner (Brooks); his beloved grandchildren, Luke Lanier (Cassidy), Leslie Lanier, Levi Lanier, Kross Sumner, Brantley Sumner; brothers Dennis Normile and Danny Normile (Carol); numerous nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of extended family, friends, and military brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held Tuesday,  July 7, 2026 from 6:00 pm until 8 pm at Pathway Church, Beulaville, NC. 

A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 9:00 AM at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville, NC. Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their respects.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in James Normile's memory to Pathway Church, P.O. Box 1247, Beulaville, NC 28518 or Heart of David Ministries, P. O. Box 3037, Eureka, NC 27830.