Obituary for Rev. James M. Turner, OSFS

With sadness, but with faith in the Resurrection, we announce that our brother, Rev. James M. Turner, OSFS, passed away at the age of 72 on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.  Jim was a professed member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales for 51 years and a priest for 43 years. 

Born in Paris, Illinois on January 30, 1952, he was the son of James Williams and Evelyn (Hynes) Turner.  He attended Holy Rosary Parish School, St. Edmund’s Academy (middle school) and Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware.  In high school, Jim was a student-athlete and a member of the track team.  He joined the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales after graduation in 1973.  He made his first profession of vows in 1973 and did his student teaching at Father Judge High School from 1975 to 1977.  Jim made his perpetual profession as an Oblate in 1979. 

Jim earned a B.S. in Biology from Allentown College (now DeSales University), and a Master of Sciences in Biology from Villanova University (1983).  He completed his studies for the priesthood at De Sales School of Theology in Washington, D.C. and was ordained a deacon in 1980.  As a biologist and nature enthusiast, Jim always wanted to explore other parts of the world.  He asked to go to the missions for his diaconal internship and ministered at the St. Augustine Mission in Upington, South Africa in the spring of 1981.  Jim returned to the U.S. and was ordained a priest on June 13 by Most Reverend Edward J. Schlotterback, OSFS, Bishop of Namibia, South Africa.

Following ordination, Fr. Turner returned to Salesianum, where he served as a science teacher.  In 1987, he moved into parish ministry and became the parochial vicar at Holy Infant Parish in Durham, North Carolina.  Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Fr. Turner ministered as assistant pastor at St. John Neumann (Reston, VA), Immaculate Heart of Mary (High Point, NC), Our Lady of Good Counsel (Vienna, VA), St. Anthony of Padua (Wilmington, DE), and Holy Redeemer by the Sea (Kitty Hawk, NC). 

In 2007 Fr. Turner was appointed pastor at Our Lady of the Highways parish in Thomasville, NC and ministered to the close-knit community for the next thirteen years.  During his time in Thomasville, the church, parish hall, and rectory offices were all enhanced.  Ministry to Hispanic Catholics became a priority, and Fr. Turner became a friend and mentor to many families.   After being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Fr. Turner moved to Virginia and was affectionately cared for by his sister Debby and his brother-in-law, Ed.  Bravely living with many physical challenges, Fr. Turner was grateful to be surrounded by the love of his family and the beauty of Lake Anna.  He often told visitors that nature was a constant reminder of God’s presence and grace.

In the spring of 2023, Fr. Turner came to the Oblate retirement center, Annecy Hall, in Childs, Maryland.  There, Fr. Turner shared his love of nature with the Oblate community and the medical staff.  Even as his health weakened, Fr. Turner continued to take after-dinner walks around the property.  Soon a small group of Oblates joined him, and they developed a walking routine and a deeper connection as brothers.  He also spent many hours engaging with his longtime hobby of jigsaw puzzles.

Fr. Turner was the loving brother of Debra Read, Margaret Mitchell, and Jeffrey Turner.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

As a runner throughout his life, Fr. Turner was committed to staying the course and persevering in every situation.  He practiced daily the Salesian virtue of embracing the present moment.  As he returns to his heavenly Father, may Jim Turner make his own the words of St. Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7).”

Arrangements: 
The viewing for Fr. Turner will be held on Tuesday, April 23 from 10 AM to 11 AM at Our Lady of Light Chapel in Childs, MD.  The Mass of Christian Burial follows at 11:15.   Burial will be that afternoon in the Oblate Cemetery. 

Condolences may be sent to Jim's sister Debby:

Mr. & Mrs. Ed Read
305 Edgewood Drive
Mineral, VA 23117