James 'Jim' Turner

James Donald Turner, age 86, of Rockwell, IA, died Sunday, June 28, 2026, at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 13, 2026, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Rockwell. with Lay Minister Jason Grunklee officiating with burial to follow at the Rockwell Cemetery. Friends are invited to greet the family during a visitation at the church from 5:00–8:00 p.m., Sunday, July 12, and at the church the day of the funeral. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory, Hampton, is caring for Jim and his family. James Donald Turner was born on November 18, 1939 in Shell Rock, Iowa, to Don and Mae (Cuvelier) Turner. As an only child raised on the family farm west of Shell Rock, Jim developed a love of all things outdoors, hunting, fishing, and gardening, favorite pastimes that persisted throughout his life. Jim was baptized and confirmed at Unity Presbyterian Church in rural Clarksville, developing a strong faith that remained the cornerstone of his principled life. Surprisingly, it was his 4’10” mother’s influence that nurtured Jim’s other great love, basketball. A multi-time state championship player in the 6-girl, 3-court game, Mae Turner introduced young Jim to the hardwood. Despite his small stature, as just a sophomore Jim earned a starting spot on the varsity team at Shell Rock High School due to his quickness and fiery competitive spirit. After high school graduation in 1958, Jim attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette. While in college, Jim married Sharon Krull at Trinity Reformed Church in Allison on June 2, 1961. One year later, in May 1962, he graduated with a BA in History Education, a newborn son Keith, and his first teaching job offer in Scranton, Iowa. The following year, Jim and Sharon moved to Rockwell, and he began teaching junior high social studies at Rockwell-Swaledale, a job he held for the next 38 years. While there, Jim and Sharon welcomed two more children, Kevin and Karie. Over the years, Jim also served as building head at Swaledale and coached many sports, with basketball the one closest to his heart. Jim treasured his 50+ years coaching kids on the basketball court alongside Randy Arends, Doug Sheriff, and his son Keith. Although his coaching record was impressive, Jim’s most significant successes came through his connection with kids. Jim had a remarkable gift with people. He asked questions, truly listened, and found ways to help kids believe in themselves and succeed. Jim provided accommodations for kids before it was even a recognized educational practice. Although Jim never earned a Masters Degree, he was a master at understanding people, a gift that provided far more benefits than any credential. Jim leaves behind a legacy of nurture and care, which has profoundly touched the lives of so many. While Jim loved being a teacher and coach, his most valued moments were those with his family, especially his grandchildren. While not wealthy by monetary standards, in terms of time spent with family and memories made, Jim was the richest man alive. Each summer, after walking beans and completing private landscaping jobs, the family loaded into their station wagon for vacation. Whether traveling to the trout streams of Northeast Iowa, lakes of Minnesota, mountains of Colorado, or beaches of Florida, those family road trips created cherished memories of time spent together. Thankfully, Jim’s passion for preserving history also extended to his family. An amateur film enthusiast, Jim captured vacation highlights, holiday celebrations, and years of family events in home movies that are now treasured family heirlooms. Jim has deeply missed his wife Sharon since she passed in 1999. It is a great joy to know they are together once again. Jim is survived by his 3 children: Keith (Suzy) Turner of Rockford, IA, Kevin (Dawn) Turner of West Des Moines, IA, and Karie (Steve) Young of Algona, IA, Grandchildren: Nathan Turner of Charles City, IA, Ryan (fiance Lexi) Turner of Cedar Rapids, IA, Ethan Young of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ashlin (Sam) Hodgson of Buffalo, MN, Luke Turner of West Des Moines, IA, and Sister-in-law Deloris (Krull) Maifeld of Allison, IA. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, his parents Don and Mae Turner, father and mother-in-law Carl and Jennie Krull, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gerald and Maxine Krull, and brother-in-law Eugene Maifeld. The Turner family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Mercy One North Iowa Medical Center and University of Iowa Hospital for the compassionate care our dad received while they were taking care of him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to St. Peter Lutheran Church in his memory.

Tributes

James 'Jim' Turner

November 18, 1939 - June 28, 2026