In Remembrance Of
James Turner
James "Jim" Eldon Turner, 71, Warrensburg, MO passed away Monday, February 27, 2023. Jim was born in Smithville, MO on March 7, 1951, the son of Donald and Anna Jean Taylor Turner.
He grew up in Avondale, MO and graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1969. Jim loved the outdoors and working with his hands. As a young boy, he was involved with Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout. He loved camping, cooking, working on cars, building model airplanes, and could fix just about anything he set his mind to. After graduating, Jim worked as a mechanic and then began working in the plastic industry until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served our country from April 1971 until honorably discharging in April 1973. While in the Marines, Jim was stationed in Okinawa, Japan where he was a mechanic and a truck driver. Jim was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Rifle Marksman Badge.
Upon discharge, Jim returned to the North Kansas City area and resumed his career in the plastic industry where he served as a maintenance worker. He reunited with a coworker he knew prior to the Marines, Edith "Edie" Haase, began a whirlwind courtship, and got married June 1, 1973. Together they began their life living in Kansas City, MO. In their 49 years of marriage, they had two children, moved to Kansas for many years, then back to Missouri in 1992. Jim loved his work and had an amazing work ethic. He put his heart and soul into anything he worked on. Jim didn’t know a stranger. He would strike up conversation with just about anyone from the auto parts store to the produce aisle. Jim was a kind man who was always willing to lend a hand to anyone. Of all the jobs Jim had, being a grandpa was by far his favorite. Jim has four grandchildren who he loved fiercely. His incredible patience shone through when teaching the grandkids how to mow the yard, turn a wrench, or to build something. He would secretly spoil them with cookies any time he had the chance, teach them silly knock knock jokes that he would laugh at endlessly no matter how many times they were retold, and trick them into learning math by always making it fun.
Jim is survived by his spouse of 49 years, Edie, Warrensburg, MO, a son, James, Topeka,KS, a daughter and son-in-law, Karleen and Chris Holland, Warrensburg, MO, 4 grandchildren, Rodnel Turner, Topeka, KS, Hunter Goddard, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX, Tanner Goddard, Warrensburg, MO, and Emory Holland, Warrensburg, MO. A special thank you to sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Wayne Dugan, Perry,KS, and family friend Jeana Rhoads, Holden, MO, for all of the love and support you’ve always given.
Jim will be deeply missed by those who loved him.
A private graveside service for close family and friends will be held at a later date.
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8 comments
Nancy Taylor Thurman
My deepest sympathy to the family. “Eldon” as we always called him growing up was a fun cousin. We quirked together at Crown Zellerbach for a few years. I’m sorry I missed his memorial service, I didn’t know when it was.
Wanda Haase Cockerill
To my sister, Edie, I reach out to tell you how much you and Jim have and always will be loved by me and at this time of Jim’s passing please rest assured that you and Jim will be rejoined in Heaven some day. Wanda
Ernie Haase
Semper Fie!
Bryan James Mooney
Aunt Edie, James, and Karleen, y’all are in our thoughts and prayers. We love y’all and will miss Uncle Jim.
Amanda Holloway
Aunt Edie, James, Karleen, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Jim was such an amazing man. I will never forget all the memories I have growing up and visiting the house in Kansas and Missouri. He always taught me life lessons when visiting and told me never to say hate because it was such a harsh word. That it is never ok to hate but ok to dislike. I have never forgotten that day and conversation. He helped cheer me up when I was upset and we were visiting he will always hold a special place in my heart. I love him so dearly! I love you Aunt Edie and praying for you to have peace and comfort most of all.
Lee Ann Rake
Edie, Karleen and James. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I always enjoyed seeing and talking to Jim. He always wanted to talk about The Studebakers, cars and family as well as the farm I grew up on. Jim will be missed by his family and anyone that had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with him. My love to you all.
Lee Ann Rake
Edie, Karleen and James. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I always enjoyed seeing and talking to Jim. He always wanted to talk about The Studebakers, cars and family as well as the farm I grew up on. Jim will be missed by his family and anyone that had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with him. My love to you all.
Kara Mooney
You will be missed by me and my family. I am proud to know that you considered me your little sister. I loved you, Jim.