James Edward Turner

James “Jim” Edward Turner, 84, of Marion, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Visitation and Open House will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. Graveside services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, in Cedar Rapids.

Jim was born on May 1, 1941, in Iowa City, Iowa, one of eight children to Eric and Reba (Nelson) Turner. He was a 1960 graduate of Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, where he excelled in wrestling and was undefeated during his Senior year. Jim attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he also wrestled. Later, Jim graduated from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado.

On May 16, 1964, Jim was united in marriage to Patty Jo Hipple at Cedar Rapids. To this union, six children were born, Luke, Joshua, Lue, Justin, Meghan, and Ty.

Jim began his employment as a School Teacher with North Linn Schools, where he started the Wrestling Program. He also taught and coached at Davis County Schools, prior to Cedar Rapids Schools, where he taught for most of his career, until his retirement in 1999. After he retired, Jim enjoyed buying cars at auctions and restoring them. He was also a Boy Scout Leader for more than 16 years. Jim took youth on High Adventure trips and to Philmont Scout Ranch. Together with his wife, Jim loved to travel, visiting five continents and most of the 50 states. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Most of all, Jim loved spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Patty Jo Turner of Marion; four children, Luke (Lori) Turner of Hiawatha, Iowa, Lue Turner of Rochester, New York, Meghan Turner of Orem, Utah, and Ty (Lacey) Turner of Henderson, Nevada; six grandchildren, Ryan (Kendra) Williamson, Maysen Turner, Troy Turner, Weston Turner, Lily Baker, and Danny Baker; three great-grandchildren, Alice, Katrina and Adaline Williamson; four siblings, Ann Rudesill of Baldwin, Wisconsin, Nelson Turner of Wesley, Iowa, Jean Tessman of Riverside, Missouri, and Bill (Lois) Turner of North Charleston, South Carolina; a special cousin, Howard (Shirley) Nelson of Walker, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Turner; infant son, Joshua Turner, son, Justin Turner; and two brothers, Harold Turner and John Turner.