Remarkable family man James (Jim) Carl Turin was born on October 26, 1933, in Silverton Oregon to Sam and Eliza Turin. He passed away on July 22nd 2020, a devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and leader.
A man of many stories and true integrity, Jim served in the Korean War as a staff sergeant in the Army from 1953 to 1955. He lovingly married Clara Stalp on November 26, 1955 and they raised their six children in Salem and Mount Angel before moving to Welches in 1966.
Jim was a consummate learner and teacher, graduating from Oregon State with a degree in biology in 1961 and his Masters in 1966 after spending a summer semester at Notre Dame. He was an enthusiastic Oregon State Beaver fan through the end. Coach Turin was respected by his students and players where he taught at Mount Angel Prep from 1961 – 64, at Cascade High School in Turner from 1964 – 66 and finally Sandy High school from 1966 – 72. He was well known for being a bulldog as a biology teacher, Varsity football coach and Assistant basketball and baseball coach.
Jim was a skilled hunter and fisherman and his family remembers many successful trips out on his boat. An entrepreneur at heart, he started paving driveways in 1972 which lead to him retiring as a teacher and beginning Jim Turin and Sons, with Mt. Hood Rock and Mt. Hood Asphalt to follow. These companies became successful family owned businesses that employed almost every member of his large family at one point in time or another.
Jim was an avid golfer and community member. He was proud to be named the President of the Mount Hood Golf Club and served two terms as the President of the Mount Hood Lions Club where he received his 50-year pin earlier this Spring. Jim was devout in his Catholic faith and was a proud worshiper at St. John’s Catholic Church in Welches. Jim is survived by wife of 64 years, Clara, his children Dan (Jeannette), Dennis (Vicki), Dave (Shelly), Doug, Debbie (Jim) and Doreen (Scott), eighteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. His gruff voice and exuberant personality along with his Christmas elk stew and spaghetti will be well remembered by those who adored him.
Jim leaves a legacy of his love for family, his Italian Heritage and his community. In leu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mount Hood Lions Club Scholarship Fund in Memory of Jim Turin. Please address donations to Mount Hood Lions Club, PO Box 74, Welches, Oregon 97067 and note Jim Turin Memorial.