Val Norton was born in Steamboat Springs February 22, 1937 to Edith (More) and Val Jacobs. In his youth he spent the weekends at his grandparents' ranch [Amelia (Gay) and Val More] southeast of Steamboat; where he learned the appreciation of land and ranching. He was an active member of FFA and carried his projects at the ranch; they called him a commuter rancher.

In high school he was starting to drive truck. He drove for Hugh Brown and later Rusty Baker. By then he was driving truck three days a week. He brought movies from Denver to The Rio Theater in Oak Creek. On February 16, 1955 he married his FFA sweetheart Janie Wheeler.

After leaving the Steamboat area he filled his time with friends, family, faith and tractors. He also enjoyed supporting Routt and Moffat County Junior Livestock Sales and the NRA.

Gonk went to be with our Lord August 25, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janie (Wheeler) Jacobs, Colleen Blake (Tony), Noreen Williams (Doug), Janeen Deines, Valeen Jacobs, Bernadeen Notari (Dave), Judd Jacobs (Sandy), Shane Jacobs, eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial services are 1:00pm Thursday, September 3 at The Journey Church in Craig, CO with a reception following at the Jacobs ranch.