Jimmy (Jim) Roger Turner passed from this life on Monday, January 24th in the comfort of his home after a very unexpected and aggressive cancer diagnosis. His family was by his side.
Jim was born December 18, 1961 in Marlette, Michigan to Gordon and Dorothy (Ford) Turner. Shortly after Jim was born, they relocated to Seibert, CO where Jim would grow to spend much of his youth in his Dad’s mechanical shop and wrecking yard honing the Mechanical and Life skills that would shape him into an undeniable master of his craft. After graduating from High Plains High School in 1980, he ventured into the masonry trade starting as a hod carrier with his future in laws.
This is where he met the love of his life, Janet Hubbell. Jim and Janet were united in marriage in 1985 in an intimate ceremony in Las Vegas. Not long after, they welcomed their only son, Travis. Travis would grow to become Jim’s protégé, partner in business and very best friend.
Throughout the 1980’s Jim worked as everything from a Ranch Hand in North Dakota to a rough neck in
New Mexico. Eventually, he would land himself back in the masonry trade in Denver, CO, working his
way quickly from hod carrier to lead foreman with one of Denver’s largest masonry companies that he
followed to California. There, he picked up the art of acid washing brick. With this skill, he returned to
Colorado and started his own masonry cleaning business that would take him as far as Las Vegas.
As fate would have it, in 1991 Jim arrived in Bayard, NE to check out a high school job that needed
completed. Being ready to find a place for his family to settle down, this would become home and the
birthplace of his legacy, J&K Masonry, which he started with his brother-in-law, at first and later on
continued on with his son Travis. Jim had a passion that nearly matched his talent for making big ideas a
reality. There’s nothing he could think up that he couldn’t build (or buy at a bargain price). From
humble beginnings with just an old ’66 Ford pickup, a mortar mixer and a wheelbarrow, smaller
residential projects soon graduated to large commercial feats including schools, prisons and large
industrial buildings throughout the Midwest. His success can be fully attributed to his sacrifice, sweat
and work ethic. His hustle and heart were second to none.
To know Jim was to understand under the gruff, hardworking exterior was a heart of gold. He was the
first to show up with a helping hand in any situation, usually with one… or three of his furry four legged
friends in tow. Jim had a heart for animals, especially the difficult ones that needed the most love. His
approach to them was like his approach to people, he liked the diamonds in the rough. Although he was
a man who would never truly retire, over the course of his last years, he was able to relax a bit more as
Travis took over the muscle of the business. He enjoyed his many hobbies which usually included
starting projects around his property, perfecting his pond, playing on big equipment, planting his garden
and taking care of he and Janet’s many animals.
He was truly enjoying life. We are all better for having known him and will miss him immeasurably.
Jim is survived by his wife, Janet, his son Travis, his daughter in law Courtney and his furry pal Curly.
Siblings: MaryAnn (Sebert) Morgan of Myrtle Beach, VA; Charlie Turner of Springfield, CO; Art (Becky)
Turner of Craig, CO; Eva (Glenn) Klee of Marble Falls, TX; Annette (Clint) Jones of Strasburg, CO; Ida
Baker of Blanco, NM; Reta Turner of Craig, CO; Brenda Christenson of Burlington, CO; Bud (Nora)
Hubbell of Vona, CO; Kevin (Jayne) Hubbell of Alliance, NE; Ranae (Rod) Bancroft of Siebert, CO; Jim
Hamilton of Topeka, KS; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded into death by his parents, his sister Barb Schafer, his sister in law Vickie Hamilton, his
furry sidekick Buddy and several very dear friends with whom he is surely enjoying the reunion.
An informal, come as you are celebration of life will be held February 19th from 2-4 p.m. at his son’s
home North of Minatare. Address information will be shared via Facebook. All who knew and loved Jim
are welcome to come relax and share stories.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Panhandle Humane Society to benefit the furry friends
he never got to meet, but surely would have loved.
