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James Kirkpatrick “J.K.” Norfleet, 85, died peacefully May 13, 2020, in Manteo.

J.K. is survived by wife Bethany, daughters Margaret Norfleet-Neff (Bill), Mary Walker Fry (Kirk), Elizabeth Kirkpatrick Sugg (Russell); stepchildren Donald Gordon Elliot (Milah) and Laura Elizabeth Elliot (Jess); grandchildren Salem, Alix, James, Evie, Sarah, Brent and Wyatt; sister Molly Young Fuller, four nieces and three nephews.

He was pre-deceased by his first wife Margaret “Peggy” Williams; his parents Charles Edward and Katy Norwood Norfleet; aunts Grizzelle Mitchell Norfleet and Nan Norfleet Early; and brother Norwood Smith Norfleet.

Born in Winston-Salem, J.K. attended Summit School before heading to Woodberry Forest School in Virginia and college at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He began his career selling whole leaf tobacco on the open tobacco market, then entered the investment field in the 1960s. In the 1970s he worked as an oil consultant before becoming president of Galaxy Oil Co. in Wichita Falls, Texas. While in Texas, J.K. bought a small boot-making business. Returning to North Carolina, J.K. entered the restaurant business, most notably in 1984 as founder of JK’s Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills.

A family gathering will be planned later this year. Memorial gifts may be made to: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Attn: Michael Myers, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111, or to your favorite charity.

Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.

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