CHILDS, Maryland — With sadness, but with faith in the Resurrection, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales announce that Father James M. Turner, OSFS, passed away at the age of 72 on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. He was a professed member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales for 51 years and a priest for 43 years.
The viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Light Chapel in Childs, Maryland. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:15 a.m. Burial will take place that afternoon in the Oblate Cemetery.
He was born in Paris, Illinois, on Jan. 30, 1952, the son of James Williams and Evelyn (Hynes) Turner.
He attended Holy Rosary Parish School, St. Edmund’s Academy (middle school), and Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware. In high school, he was a student-athlete and a member of the track team.
After graduation from Salesianum School in 1970, he entered the Oblate Novitiate and made his first profession of vows on Aug. 18, 1973. He did his student teaching at Father Judge High School from 1975 to 1977, and he made his perpetual profession of vows on Nov. 24, 1979.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in biology at Allentown College (now DeSales University), a Bachelor of Arts in theology from DeSales School of Theology, and a Master of Sciences in biology from Villanova University.
He completed his studies for the priesthood at De Sales Hall School of Theology in Washington, D.C., and was ordained a deacon in 1980. As a biologist and nature enthusiast, he always wanted to explore other parts of the world. He asked to go to the missions for his internship as a deacon, ministering at St. Augustine Mission in Upington, South Africa, in the spring of 1981.
He returned to the U.S. and was ordained a priest on June 13, 1981, at Our Lady of Ransom Church in Philadelphia, Pa., by Bishop Edward J. Schlotterback, OSFS, the Bishop of Namibia, South Africa.
Following ordination, he returned to Salesianum School, where he served as a science teacher. In 1987, Father Turner moved into parish ministry and became the parochial vicar at Holy Infant Parish in Durham. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he ministered as assistant pastor at St. John Neumann Parish in Reston, Virginia; Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point; Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Vienna, Virginia; St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Wilmington, Delaware; and Holy Redeemer by the Sea Parish in Kitty Hawk.
In 2007, Father Turner was appointed pastor of Our Lady of the Highways Parish in Thomasville and ministered to the close-knit community for the next 13 years. During his time in Thomasville, the church, parish hall and rectory offices were all enhanced to serve the growing number of parishioners. Ministry to Hispanic Catholics became a priority, and Father Turner became a friend and mentor to many families.
After being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Father Turner retired from ministry in 2020 and moved to Virginia, where he was affectionately cared for by his sister Debby and his brother-in-law Ed. Bravely living with many physical challenges, Father Turner was grateful to be surrounded by the love of his family and the beauty of Lake Anna. He often told visitors that nature was a constant reminder of God’s presence and grace.
In the spring of 2023, Father Turner came to the Oblate retirement center, Annecy Hall, in Childs, Maryland. There, he shared his love of nature with the Oblate community and the medical staff. Even as his health weakened, Father Turner continued to take after-dinner walks around the property. Soon a small group of Oblates joined him, and they developed a walking routine and a deeper connection as brothers. He also spent many hours engaging with his longtime hobby of jigsaw puzzles.
As a runner throughout his life, Father Turner was committed to staying the course and persevering in every situation. He practiced daily the Salesian virtue of embracing the present moment.
As he returns to his heavenly Father, may he make his own the words of St. Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Father Turner was the loving brother of Debra Read, Margaret Mitchell and Jeffrey Turner. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Condolences may be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Read, 305 Edgewood Dr., Mineral, VA 23117.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made online to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Wilmington-Philadelphia Province at https://tinyurl.com/52c6ub59.
— Catholic News Herald