WILLIAMSBURG—James Walter Turner departed this earthly life on August 30, 2024.
James was born to the late Frank and Leah Turner on June 30, 1945, in Kilmarnock. He attended the public schools in Lancaster County before entering the military. After serving 20 plus years in the Army, James retired on March 31, 1983, from Ft. Belvoir, Engineering Corps.
During his time in the Army, he is credited with serving two tours in Vietnam, three in Germany, four years in Panama, a year in Korea and several months in Italy, Spain and England. Among the many awards he received during his career are the National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with V Device, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon (2), Good Conduct Medal (5th award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3), Meritorious Service Medal, Drill Sergeant Badge and the Legion of Merit.
James began his Civil Service career with the Department of Defense in 1984 and worked at the following installations, Ft. Belvoir, Ft. Eustis and Ft. Monroe. In these capacities, James served as a valued member of the Training Modernization Analysis Directorate, Army Training Support Center (ASTC).
As a subject matter expert/instructor in engineering field for mine warfare, demolition and explosives, bridge classifications and tactics, James was responsible for training and writing doctrine for Engineering Advance Non-Commissioned Officers’ Courses and Basic Engineering Officers Courses. In this capacity, he received numerous awards and decorations for his accomplishments.
In 1986, James accepted a job at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command at Ft. Monroe, as Team Chief in the Training Requirement Analysis System Directorate. Following a promotion, James moved to the Army Training Support Center as a program manager for the Army Training Support Center as a program manager for the Army Modernization Directorate at Ft. Eustis. At Ft. Eustis, James was responsible for the modernization of high tech digital and computerized range training facilities throughout the Army.
James served a total of 43 years in defense of his country. Upon final retirement, James was offered several jobs with various defense contractors, but declined because he wanted to travel and resume his passion for coaching young people in community sports. Cruising was also a passion and he enjoyed cruising throughout the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii and South America with his wife, Brenda.
James’s memory will live on through his loving wife of 53 years, Brenda; son, Eric (Stacey) of Williamsburg; daughter, Erica of Newport News; grandchildren, Brandon and Alyssa of Williamsburg; sisters, Lucille Rich of Clinton, Md., and Virginia Marr of District Heights, Md.; a devoted and special niece, Francine Nickens of Baltimore, Md.; a special friend, Bubby Kenner of White Stone; brother-in-law Rudolph Kenner (Catherine) of White Stone; sisters-in-law, Rebecca Harris of Newport News and Janie Brown of Kilmarnock; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A service was held on September 7 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, White Stone.
Campbell Funeral Home of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
