Jacob Farmer / jfarmer@yelmonline.com
The next time you head southwest into Rainier along state Route 507, drive a little slower than you normally would. If it’s safe — and no other cars are behind you — consider slowing to a crawl.
You’ll see the mural of Sgt. Justin Norton as soon as you make the last bend before the road straightens in front of the train trestle. If you make the drive regularly, you’ve seen the mural countless times.
But since May 26, the mural has looked a little different. In fact, it’s been completely restored. And, if not reimagined, then updated and enhanced with rich shades of color, detail and depth.
You’ll need some extra time to take it all in.
Norton’s image remains the focal point, but his face is larger now, more photorealistic. An American flag waves and folds behind him, patches of shadow and light catching it in different places. Behind the flag, in the top right corner, heavenly sunbeams break through thick layers of clouds.
In honor of Norton’s service, a patch of Norton’s 4th Infantry Division, known as the Ivy Patch, is painted to the left of his image. A Purple Heart medal hangs to the right.
Sgt. Justin Norton graduated with honors from Rainier High School in 2003. He joined the Army that same year and was soon promoted to the rank of sergeant. He deployed to Iraq in November 2025.
On June 24, 2006, Norton was killed in action by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Baghdad. He was 21 years old.
Norton’s many awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, the Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge and others.
Wyatt Mendel, the former Sgt. Justin Norton Memorial Scholarship recipient who raised funds for the restoration, said it took mural artist Jeff Jacobson a week to finish the project, including rain delays.
Jacobson added another piece dedicated to the Rainier community on the backside of the trestle. This one, fittingly, is painted in orange and black.
“I don’t even know where to start with this beautiful story,” Mendel told the Nisqually Valley News on Tuesday, May 27. “I spent the day with (Norton’s mother) Chris Warnock on Memorial Day … We had many people honking in support as they drove by, and a lot of them stopped to give us cash donations, special Army coins, and share their stories.”
Mendel had hoped the mural would be restored by June 24, the anniversary of Norton’s death.
Based on his initial talks with Jacobson, Mendel knew he needed to raise $3,000 for the project. He reached his goal just hours after launching his fundraiser on April 17, thanks to donations from Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier and other local contributors.
With Jacobson already on board, the project was completed a month earlier than expected. The Seattle-based artist added his final touches on Monday, May 26 — just in time for Memorial Day.
“I don’t think there was a better or more qualified artist out there to do this,” Mendel told the Nisqually Valley News on June 2.
Once the recipient of graffiti attacks, the new mural now includes a seal coat to protect it from vandals.
“This doesn’t just mean a lot to me,” Mendel said in April, before the project officially began. “I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to the Warnocks.”
Chris Warnock shared her impressions of the mural on June 2.
“I am completely amazed by the incredible work of the artist, Jeff ‘weirdocult’ Jacobson,” Chris Warnock wrote to the Nisqually Valley News. “His talent, dedication and vision has created something truly special. When Jeff told me that Justin would look like he had come to life, I couldn’t have imagined just how true that would be. Seeing the mural for the first time left me speechless — it felt as if Justin was right there with us, and I know he would be proud.”
Chris Warnock and Norton’s stepfather, Gary Warnock, have done much to carry on their son’s legacy. Since 2006, the Sgt. Justin Norton Memorial Fund has donated 209 scholarships to graduates of Yelm High School, Rainier High School and Tenino High School — a total of $129,550 in awards.
“This mural is more than just a tribute to my son,” Chris Warnock wrote. “It’s a meaningful gift to the entire community. It reminds us all of the bravery, sacrifice, and service that Justin gave, and I believe it inspires others to reflect on those values. The mural has brought people together, sparked conversations, and created a space for remembrance and healing.”
To learn more about the Sgt. Justin Norton Memorial Fund, visit http://justinnorton.net.
