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JAMES T. ("JIM") Passed away at the age of 86 on Sunday, October 2, 2011 due to complications from pneumonia. James was born in Old Mesilla, New Mexico, on October 2, 1925 to Joseph Charles Turney and Margaret Tutwiler Turney. Growing up in the Las Cruces area, Jim was active in the Boy Scouts of America and enjoyed swimming, camping, and hunting. He played French horn in the local high school marching band and also later in college. Jim also enjoyed riding motorcycles and touring the state. During World War II, he served in the Pacific as a member of the U.S. Navy Seabees (Construction Battalions). After the war, he completed his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering at New Mexico State University. During the 1950s, Jim worked on the Snark guided missile program at Northrop Aircraft Corp. in Southern California and Cape Canaveral, Florida. In 1960 he joined the U.S. Air Force Civil Service working in electronic telemetry and returned to New Mexico, residing in Alamogordo and working at Holloman A.F.B. Moving to Albuquerque in 1970, he continued working at Kirtland A.F.B. until retiring after more than 20 years of service. Over the years, the Turney family made many friends in New Mexico, and Jim was very involved with family matters. While his eldest son Scott was active in the Boy Scouts, Jim served as an Assistant Troop Leader. He was especially devoted to his youngest son, Dean, who had Downs Syndrome, and spent much time participating in activities with him. Jim cared for his wife, Opal Inez, and youngest son as their health declined. For the last several years he lived alone at home and made many friends among the caregivers assisting him. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. N.E., in Albuquerque. Memorial contributions may be made in James Turney's name to ARC of NM, 505-883-4630, arcnm.org. James ashes will be interred next to those of his wife and youngest son at the Fort Bayard National Cemetery in New Mexico. Please visit our online guestbook for James at: www.RememberTheirStory.com FRENCH 10500 Lomas Blvd NE 505-275-3500
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