James Turley Obituary

James M. Turley, affectionately known as Jim to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024. He was born on October 1, 1937, in South Bend, IN. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, whose warmth and humor brought light to the lives of all who knew him.
Jim was the cherished son of the late John P. Turley and Dorothy L. (Davis) Turley. He was the devoted husband of Sharon (Quigley) Turley, with whom he shared a loving marriage of over 60 years since their wedding on June 13, 1964, in Niles, MI. Together, they raised six beautiful children: AnneMarie (James) Burns, Michael (Amy) Turley, Cynthia (Matthew) Monger, Kathleen (John) Cox, Colleen Turley, and Gregory (Katy) Turley. Jim's legacy continues through his thirteen grandchildren: Samuel (Hannah Mechtenberg), Michael, Ryan, and Kathleen Burns; Madison and Peyton Turley; Jack and Emma Monger; Lillian (Pascal Sloman) and Ethan Cox; Megan, Onyx, and Erin Turley; and two great-grandchildren, Kahlil and Oliver Mechtenberg. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn (Thomas) Fitzgerald of Omaha, NE and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Turley.
A proud graduate of Adams High School, class of 1955, Jim furthered his education at the University of Notre Dame, earning his undergraduate degree in Economics. Later in life, he went back to school and earned his MBA from Indiana University South Bend. His commitment to education was a testament to his belief in lifelong learning and personal growth.
Jim's professional life was marked by dedication and excellence. He retired in 2003 after 21 years as a manager of manufacturing systems at AM General. His colleagues remember him as a man of integrity, wit, and unwavering support, qualities that made him not only a respected manager but also a trusted friend.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was a man of many passions. He loved to cook and bake and took great pleasure in brewing his own beer. His creative spirit shone through in his love of writing limericks, a pastime that brought laughter and joy to those around him. Jim and his wife Sharon shared a love of travel, with Ireland being a favored destination, a place where they made countless memories together. His enthusiasm for Notre Dame sports was infectious, and he could often be found at a Notre Dame tailgate, surrounded by family and friends, cheering on his favorite team.
One of Jim's own limericks, which he penned with his characteristic humor, reads:
"While writing a limerick to appear,
On my grave when I'm no longer here,
While searching for a rhyme,
I ran out of time..."
This lighthearted verse captures Jim's playful spirit and his ability to find humor even in life's finality. It is this spirit that his family and friends will carry in their hearts as they remember a life well-lived.
Mass of Christian burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024 at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 Ironwood Rd. South Bend, IN 46635. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17 at Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Rd. South Bend, IN. and again on Friday at the church 30 mins before the start of mass. Jim will be laid to rest at a private ceremony at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's honor to St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN 46635 or to the Salvation Army, 900 W. Western Ave, South Bend, In 46601.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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