Jim Turner

Jim Turner, 83 a longtime Fort Sumner resident died Sunday, December 3, 2006 at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis, NM following an illness. Jim was born October 8, 1923 in Big Spring, Texas the son of Joseph Henry Turner and the former Emma Gertrude Smith. Jim was reared and attended school at Big Spring. Jim married Alice Lou McMillan on December 6, 1945 in Big Spring. Jim was a veteran of World War II. He worked for many years seismograph drilling in the western United States and Canada. He made his home in Fort Sumner in 1963 where he started Turner Drilling Company, a water well drilling business. He and his son-in-law Ricky Cones operated the business. In 1986 Jim began Turner Well Services which is still in business today. Jim also farmed in the Fort Sumner valley. Jim was a past member of the New Mexico Ground Water Association where he was honored as Driller of the Year in 1972; a past member of the Lion’s Club and Fort Sumner Bowling leagues. He spent many hours working on his farm and he also enjoyed fishing and golf. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Martha Burgner in 2006 and his son in law Ricky Cones in 2001. Survivors include his wife Alice Turner, a daughter Denise Cones both of Fort Sumner, two sons Joe Turner of Moriarty and Roy Turner and wife Linda of Fort Sumner. Also surviving are two brothers Paul Turner and wife Bobbye of Brownfield, TX; Delmer Turner of Big Spring, TX; three sisters Clotee Reynolds of Houston, TX; Edwina Stewart, Geneva Kiser and husband Bob all of Abilene, TX. Other survivors include two grandchildren Jerry Cones and Dawna Cortese and husband Luke of Fort Sumner and one great-grandson Jordan Cortese of Fort Sumner along with many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 7, 2006 from The Church on the Hill in Fort Sumner, NM with Sister Anna Teeter officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jerry Cones, Luke Cortese, Billy Rodriguez, Lee Koll, Stephen Long, and Tom Bob Wilton. Honorary bearers will include Ralph Lund, Billy Wilton, Jeff Billberry and all his friends. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. For online condolences visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com