James Leigh Turner, Jim, died peacefully at 8:10 pm surrounded by his loving family at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center on Wednesday, August 30, 2017.
Jim was born on August 11, 1946 on a farm outside of LaCenter, Ky. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Murray State University in 1969 then began an enjoyable career of nearly 40 years with State Farm Insurance. Throughout his distinguished career he received multiple awards, including being a Kentucky Colonel. The accolade he was the most proud of was the CPCU which was presented to him in a private ceremony in Washington, D.C. in 1990.
Other than his bright smile and quick wit, Jim was best known for his competitive nature. Jim loved to win and thrived on competition. In his last several years, he played in numerous golf tournaments. One big triumph he had was winning the prestigious senior open golf tournament in Louisville, KY last summer.
Jim was a devout Christian and a member of First Baptist in Barlow, KY.
He is survived by his only child, Stephanie Joles and her husband, Scott; his grandson, Reece and his granddaughter, Rachel. He is survived by his only sibling, Phyllis White and her husband, Rodney; a niece, Michelle Harbison and nephew, Sean Henley; an aunt, Shirley Purvis, and several cousins. Jim is also survived by his loving and very special friend, Vicky Cornille. He is survived by his faithful companion of many years, his dog, Trouble, who could often be spotted walking the fields with him in search of quail. Throughout his illness two caring cousins faithfully sent cards and called him, Crystal Brown and Lena Pittman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James H. and Ruth Turner.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Barlow First Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Fickes officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 8:00 pm on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home and cremation services of Paducah. Visitation will also be held from 1:00 pm until the 3:00 pm service time on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Barlow First Baptist Church.
Pallbearers for Jim’s service will be: Tyler Pittman, Alan Foster, David Williams, Tim Bass, Sean Henley, Jimmy Harbison and David Cox. Honorary Pallbearers will include: Harry Aterburn, Darrel Stintson, Ron Crisp, Denny Parnell, Rodney Leigh, Clyde Leigh, Jim Cox, Jerry Shemwell and Harry Clinard.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any of the following: Lourdes Hospice, PO BOX 7100, Paducah, KY 42002 or Barlow First Baptist Church Youth Department, 586 Monroe Dr., Barlow, KY 42024, or to the Gideons International, PO Box 10, Kevil, KY 42053.
You may leave a message for the family or light a candle at milnerandorr.com.
