In 1959, Norma Flesher, RN, became the nurse-secretary for Dr. Arthur G. James, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. She worked with Dr. James for the remainder of his professional career. Dr. James was a pioneer in cancer research and in 1987 the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute at Ohio State was named in his honor. Now named the Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, the facility is called "The James" and focuses on cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and research. Dr. James died in 2001. Norma Flesher helped to organize a collection of his papers for the University.

Norma Flesher received Ohio State's Distinguished Staff award in 1996 for her dedication to Ohio State University, the University Medical Center, Dr. James and the patients.