My Dad

JIM OLDEN TURNER

Jim Olden Turner passed away Friday Jan 8, 2010 from complications of Necrotizing Fasciitis. He was born May 12, 1954 in Alamogordo, NM.

Jim grew up in Tularosa and became a true Wildcat while attending Tularosa High School where he excelled in sports, earning him a full-ride football scholarship to Western New Mexico University. When he first arrived he was automatically deemed with the nickname “Bulldog” due to the fact his cousin was Clyde “Bulldog” Turner, who was inducted to the football hall of fame and retired #66 for the Chicago Bears. Known for his infamous long snapping ability, Jim was recruited by the Cleveland Browns and the Dallas Cowboys.

He graduated May 1976 from Western with a BA in Personal Management. While attending Western “the football player” fell in love with “the cheerleader” Diane Orsak. They were married July 3, 1974 in Lordsburg, NM. During their first 10 years of marriage Jim worked as a construction superintendent/project manager for Merit Homes in Houston, TX. In Houston they had four beautiful children; Dawn, Shannon, Jimmy and George. In 1986 they moved to Alamogordo, NM where Jim purchased GI insurance, Moore insurance, and merged them together with White Sands Insurance.

Jim sponsored numerous sporting organizations that his kids participated in. He also coached his kids’ sports little and minor league baseball teams. Jim was a very social person with lots of friends. He was a proud member of the Elks club, Men’s Golf Association, Mason’s, New Mexico Horse Breeders Association and the Lions Club. Jim was an avid horse enthusiast and could usually be found at Ruidoso Downs placing a bet. Jim owns/co-owns many quarter horses and Turner Racing Stables with his brothers, Joe and Bill. Jim also had the need for speed and had passion for classic automobiles. His pride and joy a 1970 Roadrunner has been awarded many trophies at various auto shows. Jim had a passion for sailing, and loved to read nautical charts. He often talked about how one day he would retire and sail the open seas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Fay Turner of Tularosa, NM. He has 3 brothers; Ed and Vicky Turner and their children Jim, Ed and Ben of Colorado, Joe and Tammy Turner and his children Charlie and Suzie of Texas and Bill and Karyn Turner and their children Bill, Steven and Kimberly of Tularosa, NM.

Jim leaves behind his 4 children Dawn Hudson and her husband Joseph with their 3 sons Bryson, Carter and Chase of Okinawa, Japan. Shannon Sallee and her husband Ryan of Albuquerque, NM. Jim Turner II and his wife Amanda and their daughter Robyn and son Beau of Alamogordo, and George Turner of Silver City, NM. His father-in-law George “Poppy” Orsak and his wife Virginia “Gigi” Imogene Orsak. Oreo and Brownie his beloved dogs. His African Gray parrot, Windy. Countless beautiful fresh and saltwater fish he cared for individually on a daily basis at his home and office, and over 20 turtles all named that had a home in his backyard.

Spending time with his friends and family was his greatest pleasure in life and his legacy.

Services to celebrate the life of Jim Olden Turner will take place with the viewing on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at the Alamogordo Funeral Home between 5-7pm.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 2pm, Tay’s Convention Center. The burial will follow immediately afterwards at the Tularosa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org).