James "Jim" C. Guthrie

A Celebration of Life for James C. “Jim” Guthrie, age 58, of Norfolk, will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Home for Funerals Chapel, 708 Georgia Avenue, in Norfolk. Reverend Glenn Wapelhorst will officiate, with interment in Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Norfolk.

The funeral service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website. 

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the chapel. 

Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements.

He passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at his home in Norfolk.

James Christopher was born April 12, 1966, in Portsmouth, Virginia to James E. and Lillian A. (Hoskinson) Guthrie. He graduated in 1984 from Norfolk High School.

Jim had worked a variety of jobs since he was a teenager. Most recently, he worked at Applebee’s as a server, trainer, and manager for 14 years, where he had many loyal regular customers who requested him by name. He was a route driver for the Norfolk Daily News for a few years where he was again a customer favorite, many people would give him snacks and drinks on a hot day, and gifts on holidays.

Jim found his calling with his latest job at Integrated Life Choices in Norfolk, supporting individuals with disabilities. He loved his work at ILC and was loved by all of the individuals he supported. Another “job” he had in the last few years was putting his big white beard to use, playing Santa for a local photographer and for many local businesses for their Christmas parties. He loved listening to music and was an amazing air drummer and guitar player.

He always wanted to be involved in the events and activities that involved his children and grandchildren and go on dates and adventures with his life partner, Lori. Jim loved squirrel and bird watching and would frequently send photo updates of all the critters in his yard. He loved to cook and especially enjoyed grilling, he always played the game “what’s for dinner” with his children, sending a picture of the empty grill and asking them to guess what he was making that night.

Jim loved to watch movies and tv shows, a big fan of The Amazing Race and Survivor. He really enjoyed his visits to Tahazouka to watch the ducks and geese, specifically his favorite duck, Mr. Fluffy. He was in constant communication with all three of his kids, checking in daily, sometimes just to say, “I love you.” His most favorite thing was to kick back with a beer or two at the end of a long day. Jim was a kindhearted, generous, thoughtful, funny, fun loving, helpful, amazing person…. the list goes on and on. His absence will leave a hole in the heart of everyone that loved him, but his legacy will live on forever. 

He is survived by his life partner of 14 years, Lori Griffee-Pasewalk; children Gabrielle (Travis) Mackey of Norfolk, Elizabeth (Lance) Harvey of Pierce, and Jared (Jordyn) Guthrie of South Sioux City, he was affectionately known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, Nik Harvey, Sophia Mackey, Hudson Mackey, Hayden Harvey, Ruby Mackey, and Callum Guthrie, siblings Anne Guthrie (Paul Morgan) of South Boston, VA, Mary Guthrie (Randy Mosley) of Darlington, WI, and Robert (Michele) Guthrie of Norfolk; nieces and nephews; cats Baxter, Beau, and Binx; and grand pets.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Janice Laible.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.homeforfuneralsinc.com.

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