James "J.T." Turner

James R. Turner, Jr.,83, of Topeka, Kansas died in his sleep in his favorite chair on Thursday, June 7, 2024.

He was born in Albany, Missouri on June 12, 1940, to James Robert Turner (a preacher) and Enid Turner.

He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Elza Turner; a son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Carrie Turner; a daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Brody Hillstock, and nine grandchildren: Molly, Annie, Wyatt, and Megan Turner; Alex, Caitlin (Shea), and Brian Sonnich; Lisa (Hillstock) and Charlie Collins, Samantha, and Cara Hillstock.

Jim attended Sterling College in Sterling Kansas, graduating in 1962. Upon graduation, he married Elza Lee Gourley, and they lived in student housing in Manhattan, Kansas while he pursued a master’s degree in education from Kansas State University. After graduating with his master’s degree in 1963, he worked during the summer for a political campaign before beginning a teaching career at Roosevelt Middle School in Topeka, Kansas. For five years, he was a World Geography teacher and a basketball and football coach. From 1968 to 1970, Jim worked as an administrative assistant for Chet Mize, a candidate for the Second Congressional District. In 1970, he joined the Kansas Savings and Loan League where he worked as a lobbyist and president for more than forty years. In addition to working, he coached many youth basketball leagues throughout Topeka. Fondly known as JT and Papa, he attended activities, life events, and celebrations for his friends, children, and grandchildren. He was an active member of his church and loved his church family.

His work ethic served as a model for all his family, as did his loyalty and support—even in the most challenging times. His children remember him for his words of wisdom: “Keep a dime in your shoe and call anytime day or night” (phone booths were a thing). “It’s all about the 4 Ps— Preparation prevents poor performance.” And, without words, he showed us to always take care of family. He loved golf. He had his own method of scoring, but when it came to his friends and family, he did not keep score. He took people for who they were and cared for them as they were. He did not know any strangers. He talked a lot, often without a filter. He lived large, and he knew who was in charge—his wife, Elza Lee, the love of his life.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at Fellowship Bible Church, Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send cards or donate to the Fellowship Bible Church, 6800 SW 10th Ave, Topeka Ks 66615.