James Michael Turner

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James (Jim) M. Turner, 81, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who left us on June 15, 2026. Born on Dec. 30 1944 in Muncie, Indiana, Jim was the beloved child of Elmira P. Turner and James H. Turner. He served with honor and pride during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Navy on the cruiser USS Newport News. Jim graduated with a bachelor's degree from Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. Jim went on to pursue a career as a loan officer at several Indiana financial institutions.

Known for his passion for John Wayne movies and love of the New York Yankees, Jim was dedicated in attendance of family holiday and birthday events. Jim was a walking encyclopedia of historical military and sporting events.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Bruce Turner and Charles Turner. He is survived by son Richard (Monica) Turner and daughter Laura (Tony) Turner-Ziko and grandchildren Casey Schroeder, Keirsten (Andrew) Lulling, Gabrielle (Michael) Perrington, Benjamin Turner, Jessica (Hunter) Coyle, Nicholas Turner, Aaron (Bailey) Peters and Giavanna Ziko. Survivors also include great-grandchildren Dean and Liam Perrington and Jameson, Maverick and Emersyn Peters.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Jim’s dear friend Ruth Chronister and the staff of Parkview Hospital Randallia and Parkview Hospice for their kindness and support. Jim will be laid to rest with military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, and no funeral will be held in Fort Wayne. Planning is underway for that service and interment at a July date to be announced. National cemeteries have strict guidelines that do not allow for delivered flowers. Therefore, the family requests donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, as Jim was a lifelong supporter of that charity.