James E. Norris

James E. Norris was a businessman and owner of the Detroit Red Wings from 1932 till his death on December 4, 1952. He had also interests in the Chicago Black Hawks and the New York Rangers.

He and his business partner Arthur Wirtz bought the Detroit Falcons in 1932 and renamed it the Red Wings in the following season. He bought the stakes in the team held by his business partner and his sons James D. Norris and Bruce Norris, becoming the sole owner of the Red Wings on September 11, 1952. His death in December 4, 1952, saw his sons, James and Bruce, and his daughters Eleanor & Marguerite inherit the Red Wings and his shares in the Red Wings. The Norris family made arrangements that saw James concentrate on the Black Hawks and the Rangers alongside Wirtz, whereas the rest of the family focused on the Red Wings.

The James Norris Memorial Trophy for the best NHL defenseman and the Norris Division were created after him. He was posthumously inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Builder category in 1958.

Family relations
Sons: James D. Norris & Bruce Norris
Daughters: Eleanor Norris & Marguerite Norris