James "Jimmy" Turnage

James "Jimmy" Turnage

Funeral services for James Edgar "Jimmy" Turnage will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 8, 2017 at The Pentecostals of Alexandria in the GA Mangun Center with Pastor Anthony Mangun officiating. Committal service will follow in the St. Peter Cemetery in Elmer under the direction of White Oaks Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Jimmy, 78, of Alexandria, left this earthly world for the Eastern Gate of Heaven on July 2, 2017. He entered this world to the parents of Edgar and Ida Melder Turnage and began his journey on June 22, 1939. He graduated from Oak Hill High School and attended Delta Business School. Jimmy was dedicated to serving others as evidenced by both his career choices as a public servant and the legacy he left behind through serving his fellow man.

He served in the National Guard, he retired as a Captain with the Alexandria Fire Department, served as a Deputy and Communications Officer with the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Department, and represented Ward 5 as Constable. Jimmy was one of the founding fathers for the Oak Hill Volunteer Fire Department where he served as President and then Chief for many years. He served on both the Rapides Parish 911 Communications District and the Twin Valley RC&D Boards for many years.

Those who knew Jimmy know that he loved God, his family, sports (especially LSU), keeping up with the news, and nature. Jimmy was always available to talk, listen, give advice, and help others. He enjoyed watching his family and others have fun, and he especially loved seeing his family and the animals from his porch. He always had a story to tell about the birds and the squirrels.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Ida Melder Turnage; his sister, Barbara Louise "Bobbie" Turnage Bass; his brother-in-law, Kenneth Lewis; and two grandsons, Josh Thompson and Kenneth Duane Turnage, Jr.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are: his devoted and loving wife of 46 and one-half years, Deanna Milligan Turnage of Alexandria; four sons, James Richard Turnage and his wife Donna of Gardner, Kenneth "Kenny" Duane Turnage and his wife Missy of Otis, John Russell Turnage and wife Jan of Hineston, and Joseph Carl Turnage and wife Tina of Gardner; three daughters, Effie Mae Cassa and husband Cliff of Alexandria, Therese Darlene Ellender, Ed.D. and husband Lee D. Ellender, M.D. of Opelousas, and Twilla Dawn Boone and husband Henry of Alexandria; two sisters, Patsy Turnage Weatherford and husband Aubrey of Hineston, and Mary Jo Turnage Lewis of Elmer; one brother-in-law, David W. Bass, Jr. of Oakdale; 14 grandchildren, Hailey Turnage Thacker and husband B.J., Jaclyn Hall and husband Randy, Charles Bass II and wife Lacey, Dustin Turnage, Savannah Turnage, Zachary Turnage, Patrick Turnage and wife Ashley, Tiffany Turnage Chapman and husband Chris, Cody Turnage and wife Haley, Tyler Turnage, Joseph Boone and wife Heather, Kristen Boone Thompson and husband Zac, Taylor Boone, and Kayla Boone; 24 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Pallbearers are Cody Turnage, Tyler Turnage, Patrick Turnage, Joseph Boone, Taylor Boone, Zachary Turnage, Dustin Turnage, and B.J. Thacker. Honorary pallbearers are Eric Smith, Mike Nugent, Mark Weatherford, Michael Milligan, Reverend Guy Milazzo, and J.C. Hilton.

Visitation will be held at the Pentecostals of Alexandria in the GA Mangun Center, Friday, July 7, 2017 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., then on Saturday, July 8, 2017 from 9 a.m. until time of service at 10 a.m. in the church.