James M. Turner

James Milford Turner IV departed this world the morning of October 21st, 2024, while a resident at the H. John Heinz III Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Colloquially known as “Oscar the Grouch” to his former co-workers at Allegheny Ludlum Steel, James was gruff, yet affable, sarcastic, but sincere and will be deeply missed by his friends and loved ones.

James was a longtime mainstay in his Natrona Heights community, as both a former Highlands Area Soccer/Highlands Middle School Soccer coach and Cub Scout/Boy Scout Leader at Birdville Pack/Troop 186.

James was well loved by his former scouts and scouters at Troop 186, enjoyed terrifying new scouts with his “dad voice” when they were caught running in camp and spending a week each summer with the Troop at Old Allegheny on Heritage Reservation.

An Army Veteran who served in Country during the Vietnam War, James enjoyed spending time at the Brackenridge American Legion Post 226 and regaling people with the same two (and only) stories he told from Vietnam: Of the monkey who would throw beer cans at the troops and how he once ate 2 large pizzas from Wally’s in Springdale upon returning to the U.S. after his tour of duty was complete.

In his later years, James loved watching the birds and squirrels in his backyard and spending time with his two granddaughters, who he loved more than anything in the world.

James hated hanging Christmas lights but loved carving pumpkins, loved reading Science Fiction but couldn’t calmly make it through an entire Steelers game, loved watching Rom-Com’s on the Hallmark Channel and watching Jeopardy with his wife. He never said no to slot machine, or to playing ball with his sons; until they got old enough to be better than him and celebrated every small accomplishment of his two young granddaughters.

James’ life, while too short for those that cared about him, was a life of selfless sacrifice. Sacrifice for his country, his community and his family. May he be remembered fondly and with joy and laughter by all those who knew him.

James is survived by his wife of 45 years, Deborah M. (Natskakula) Turner, sons, James (Morgan) Turner, of Springdale and Mark Turner (Danielle), of New Kensington, grandchildren, Emerson Turner and Alexandra Seitz Turner, brother, Gary Turner (Terri), of Springdale, sister, Carol (Tim) Lascek, of Springdale and by numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.  James was preceded in death by his parents, James M. and Irene (Kondracki) Turner.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Victory Church with the Rev. John B. Lendvai as celebrant.  (Everyone is asked to please meet at the church)  Burial will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.  Arrangements are under the care of the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., Natrona Heights 724-224-8688.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of James may be made to Boy Scout Troop 186,%Evan Erickson, 302 Primrose Drive, Sarver, Pa.  16055.  To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com. A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.