James Norman Gaskins, 68, of Florence, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025.

Norman was born on Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, S.C. a son of the late Gerald "Bud" Gaskins and Trebee Gaskins. He loved cooking for crowds, motorcycles, and Carolina football. He loved all animals, but his three pups, Gus, Lilly, and Lucy, held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed working in the garden, collecting eggs, and tinkering on the farm. If he liked something, he collected it, and his motto was "go big or go home". While Norman was a creature of habit when it came to what and where he was going to eat, you never really knew what adventure would take place while spending time with him. He found solace at the lake and enjoyed boating and fishing. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, and if he loved you, he loved you big.

Norman was a skilled butcher, finding his talent shortly after high school and perfecting it until he retired. He took a lot of pride in his work, working countless hours to provide for his family. Once Norman retired, he embraced a new role, caretaker. He took that same work ethic, stamina and pride, and poured it into taking care of his mother. It was during the last stages of his mother's life where he found his faith. He was excited about his new life in Christ and followed through with a believer's baptism on May 25, 2025. A special moment sharing the waters of the baptismal pool with his youngest daughter, surrounded by loved ones and friends. A new creation was born, and that spark burned bright. Norman was serious about strengthening his walk with Jesus and wanted to share a "little bit" of Him wherever he went and with whoever would listen. Found written by his mother, in her Bible that he was using and treasured, there was a saying that her mother, his grandmother carried with her in pocketbook.

"If we meet and you forget me you have lost nothing but if you meet Jesus Christ and forget Him you have lost everything." -unknown

He was preceded in death by his son, Jason DeLeon Gaskins; sister, Sherrie Anne Gaskins; and his parents.

Surviving are his daughters, Sara (Benji) Thompson and Abigail Ellis; his grandchildren James Ethan Thompson, Aiden Cuttino Thompson, William Ellis, and Caroline Ellis; step- grandchildren, Hudson Griebe and Dayton Griebe; brother, Nelson (Vicky) Gaskins; aunt Clebe "Nig" Eaddy; his only and special nephew, David Ray Gaskins; cousins, Debbie Eaddy, Angela Latimer, and Wayne Matthews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gaskins Cemetery Fund, 1918 Tearcoat Rd, Alcolu, S.C. 29001.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 - 11:00 am Friday, August 15, 2025 at Tans Bay Baptist Church with the service to be held at 11:00 am in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow at Gaskins Cemetery directed by Cain Calcutt Funeral Home.