James Walter Turner

James Turner was born on July 13,1936 in Highland Park, Michigan to Walter Frank

Turner and Florence Frances Turner (nee Ames). He is the last living child and only

son. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1954. James enlisted in the

AirForce in 1955. After being honorably discharged in 1959, he went on to receive a

diploma from Highland Park Junior College in 1961, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from

Wayne State University in 1968. Continuing his education, James received his Master

of Education from University of Michigan in 1970. James was joined in holy matrimony

to his wife Lois on September 14, 1963. To this union, three children were born, Lori

(deceased), Kenneth and Jeanette.

James’ commitment to service began early in his career. He taught in the Detroit Public

School District as an English teacher for 23 years. He also coached the little league

baseball team for Gracious Savior Lutheran Church. Answering the call by God to

serve Him as a minister, James began his ministry training at Concordia Seminary in St.

Louis, Missouri in September 1993. After completing his ministry education in 1995,

James began his vicarage at Charity Lutheran Church. He was ordained as a minister

in 1997 and continued to serve Charity Lutheran Church as their Pastor until 1999.

From 1999 to 2006, he served as the Pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. He

mentored hundreds of parishioners and welcomed all with open arms. Although he

officially retired from the ministry in 2006, he was called upon many times to hold

services for churches through-out the district.

James was a jovial person, always celebrating life. This was evident in his commitment

to family. He loved celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and the holidays with the entire

family. He enjoyed traveling with his family to many places including summers in

Idlewild with his sisters and their children. He traveled to places far and away including

Mexico, Hawaii, Texas, California, and Puerto Rico, to name a few. Paris, France

remained his favorite. During the fall, he loved cheering for the University of Michigan

Football team, teasing as many of his nieces and nephews as he could, who attended

rival schools. Alongside time with family, he found joy in golfing with friends early on

Saturday mornings, a hobby he eventually shared with his wife and children. His vigor

for life never stopped.

James was called to his eternal home with the Lord on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Florence, his sisters Gertrude

Thomas (John), Marion Henry (Egbert), Virginia Webb (Stanley), Frances Ann Turner

(Robert), and his eldest daughter Lori Turner. He leaves to cherish his memories wife

Lois, son Kenneth (Alyson), daughter Jeanette (Darrin), and a host of nieces and

nephews.