James Harold Turner, Sr.

James “Jimmie” Harold Turner Sr. was born August 22, 1953 in Lima, Ohio to Mary Lee Turner and Mansfield Key Sr. of Florence, AL. His family moved to Fort Wayne, IN when he was 7 years old. Jimmie accepted Christ at an early age. He was baptized at Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Samuel Walker. He attended Harmar Elementary School and Central Junior Division where he made lifelong friends with Pete Ramsey, The Nelsons, The Townsends and many more. Jimmie had many interests. In his youth, he was a member of the 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America. He was proud to have built his own radio. While in high school he ran track, wrestled, and participated on Memorial Park’s swim and water polo teams. Jimmie’s class was the last class to graduate from Central High School in 1971. The day after graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17. He was stationed in Yuma, AZ. While serving Jimmie created unbreakable bonds with friends that became brothers Juan McClullen and Robert Sims. Jimmie also served 2 years in the Army Reserve in Fort Wayne, IN. Jimmie was a sports fanatic. He enjoyed playing, as well as watching all sports. He played for the Pigs and the Freaks Police semi-pro football teams. Jimmie enjoyed attending games and supporting family and friends whenever possible. He would travel all over to states such as Tennessee to see his grandson play football, or to Michigan to watch his great grandson wrestle. He never missed the opportunity to attend Grandparents Day whether in Fort Wayne or Indianapolis. He would travel to watch his nephew Juan Gorman play college football as well. He enjoyed attending all the local sporting and academic events of his children, grandchildren, and loved ones. He looked forward to going to Indianapolis every year to watch the State wrestling tournament with his kids and grandchildren. He would be up early so he could get a good seat. He attended the 1995 Million Man March and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He was cofounder of the Titans Metro football team. Jimmie was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan. Win or lose. He worked at Lincoln Life Insurance Co. and International Harvester before becoming a full fledged Entrepreneur. His businesses included:

B & B Auto, B & J Clothing, Impulse Florist, Impulse Lawn Service, JT's Sandwich Shop, Jubilee' Homes, Jubilee' Smoke Shop, and Rock Inc.

Jimmie was health conscious and strived to remain physically and mentally fit. Jimmie loved to watch TV. He loved to watch Jeopardy and of course, his westerns. Jimmie was very competitive and hated to lose. He was a Pac Man, Tetris, and Monopoly champ. And was untouchable when it came to domino’s. Jimmie loved animals, especially his dogs. Pete, Victor, Spike, and Buddy were his favorites just to name a few. He LOVED to eat and travel. Visiting 49 states, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. His motto was “Family First”. He loved all his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his great-great grandchild. Jimmie’s #1 girl was Jackie Boddie. Jimmie departed this life December 28, 2024 surrounded by his family and friends. He leaves to be cherished by his children James Turner Jr. (of Yuma, AZ) with Linda Coulter; Montinik Robinson with Gloria Craig; LaShonda and Natalie Turner with Beatrice Turner; Jalice Turner, Jamarcus (Tanisha) Turner, Janee Turner (of Chicago, IL), Jamal (Mariana) Turner by Lisa Turner; Rashonda Moore, Katoya Woodson, Jason (LaQuisha) Woodson, Jawaun Woodson, Jamika Woodson with the late Bonita Woodson; Genard and Gerelle Ladner with Adrian Ladner (all of Fort Wayne, IN); Brother Fate Stewart and sister in law Sharon Key (of Fort Wayne) and Mansfield Key, Jr. (of Florence, AL). 36 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren. Jimmie was preceded in death by his grandmother Mattie Turner, both parents, sister Veronica Perry, brothers Dennis Key, Terry Key and Sam Key; sons Terron Turner and Jimi Turner; grandsons Da’Shawn Martin and Najee Gray.

Jimmie Turner was a living legend and will be remembered as such!!

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