James Wilson Turnmire's last hurrah came unexpectedly on July 19th, 2024. Jim was born on August 17, 1943, in Fowler California, to Alice June (Wilson) and Francis Lee Turnmire.  The family lived on a large ranch in the Caruthers area, near Orange and Nebraska avenues. Jim worked on the farm with his siblings in his early years. The ranch had all manor of livestock, corn, cotton, hay and grapes.  Jim graduated from Caruthers High School in 1961.  After high school, Jim earned a bachelor's degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, then briefly moved to Bishop and Lee Vining areas where he did road surveying for Caltrans and got hooked on snow skiing in his spare time.  He then returned to Fresno and obtained his teaching credential at Fresno State.   He then became an educator at Orange Center School District, taking over for his brother-in-law there teaching math and music. He incredibly taught there his whole career and retired in 2003 after 35 years.  During those years he taught multiple generations of several families.

James (Jim) was the life of any gathering and will be dearly missed. He lived life to the fullest and relished being a cool fun uncle to his brothers and sister's kids, to whom he was very generous. Gatherings with family and friends were a priority for him as well as travelling extensively internationally to over 105 countries.  He was also an avid skier and lover of red sports cars.  Jim cherished his many friends, extended family, teaching, playing piano and organ, singing in his barbershop quartet, directing Sweet Adeline groups as well as competing and winning with "Gold Note "choruses all over the country.  He also performed in theatre productions at Roger Rocka Theater, local "Wrinkles" theater group, and other Broadway style shows.

Jim was a 40+ year member of the "Society", which is a reference to the Barbershop and Sweet Adeline communities. In 1970, he began conducting a local Sweet Adeline chorus.  He developed a great love for competition and camaraderie when he sang in his first Barbershop contest with the Gold Note Chorus, in 1975. Jim earned numerous accolades and served his love of singing, in several ways. At the chapter level, he served as Program Vice President, Chapter President, bass section leader, show chairman, assistant director, and finally as Musical Director. He was the Musical Director of the Fresno Gold Note Chorus for 3 years. Some chapter awards include: Barber shopper of the Year, Administrator of the Year, and the President's Appreciation Award (twice). Jim was in a quartet for most of those 40 years, as well.

Jim is survived by his sister Diane (George) Powell, niece and nephews MaryAnn (Randy) Naylor, David Turnmire, Steve (Twila) Turnmire, Liam (Yvonne) Turnmire, Tom (Kathy) Ellam, Chris (Elizabeth) Collins, Keith (Monica) Collins, Clay (Carrie) Collins, Kenny (Christy) Collins as well as the myriad of great and grand nieces and nephews.  He leaves us with a lasting legacy that family is forever and how important it is to gather often and stay in touch.

Jim was preceded in death by his father in 1976, his mother in 1982, and his older brother, David in 2000 and older sister, Nancy and nephew, Jason in 2022.

In lieu of flowers, it is Jim's wish that any donations be directed to the Nancy Hinds Hospice, Make-A-Wish Foundation, or Barbershop Harmony Society.