James E. Turner: Obituary

James E. Turner, age 88, of Mountain View Dr., Blairsville, GA, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2015, at his home following an extended illness. Mr. Turner was born on March 3, 1927 in Atlanta, GA to the late Jay D. and Lollie Towns Turner. Jim enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 16 on March 14, 1944. He took his boot camp training at Parris Island, and was assigned to Cherry Point, NC. He was then immediately shipped overseas to the Marshall Islands in Okinawa and participated in the occupation of Japan. He attained the rank of Buck Sergeant, spending 2years, 2months, and 2 days, before being discharged. This is when he resumed working for the Georgia Railroad. Wanting to further his education, Jim attended the Rhinehardt Academy in Waleska, GA. There he managed to get his four year high school diploma in just one year. He was a member of the National Beta Club. It was here that Jim met and married Mary Glenn Howell on December 22, 1946. Mary Glenn preceded him in death on September 26, 1990. After graduation from Southern Polytechnic State University, a division of Georgia Tech University system, Jim worked for 20 years for Seydel Wooley, a textile chemical service then 12 years at Nottingham Co. in Atlanta. He retired as Vice President of the company due to health reasons. Jim then moved back to the mountains of Hiawassee, Georgia in 1980. Jim was instrumental in building the fire dept in Hiawassee, especially Station 4. During the formation of GEMA, he served as director for a short time, as his health kept him from continuing. He was also active in the VFW and helped at the thrift store. Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church in Hiawassee. He started the Men’s Biscuit Eaters, which had their monthly meetings at the church. This was later changed to the Methodist Men’s Club. He served in many offices during his membership. Surviving are his three daughters: Myrle and Kathleen Trowbridge of Pace, FL, Jim and Cindy Mullican of Spring City, TN, Bill and Patricia Brock of Lawrenceville, Ga. One son, Jeff of TX., two step daughters: Pat and Brenda Berish of Lake Worth, FL., Steve and Roberta Main of Palm City, FL., and one step-son: William and Candi Byers of Jupiter, FL. Jim had 13 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. A sister, Kathleen Worrill of Milner, GA, niece Cathy Turner, and his second wife, Leona (Lee) of the home also survive. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. from the Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplin Alan Farr officiating. At the request of the family, no flowers please, contributations can be sent to Wesley Mountain Village or to the Cancer society. The family will meet with friends following the services. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences to the family on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com