WATERBURY – James H. “Fleet” Norfleet Jr., of Waterbury, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 7, 2025, following a brief illness.

Born on April 27, 1971, James was the son of the late Mary J. Johnson Norfleet Owens and the late James H. Norfleet Sr. Affectionately known as “Fleet” to his family and friends, he was educated in the Waterbury public school system and graduated from Wilby High School, where he proudly played as a safety for the Wilby Wildcats football team. After graduation, James served in the Army Reserve.

Throughout his life, James worked in various capacities, including at Summit in Thomaston and in contracting, along with many other jobs that showcased his strong work ethic and versatility.

He is survived by his daughter, Raven Gilliams, and his son, SSgt Jayrell Norfleet. He also leaves behind two sisters, Mary A. Norfleet of Torrington and Gwendolyn Norfleet of Waterbury; one brother, Mark Norfleet; four nieces; two nephews; four great-nephews; and a host of lifelong friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins who will cherish his memory.

A memorial service for James H “Fleet” Norfleet Jr. will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06705. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with the Norfleet family during that time. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you with your family and friends. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.