James D. Turpin

Dr. James “Jim” Donald Turpin, age 85, of Zebulon, passed away October 16, 2022, at Piedmont-Newnan Hospital. Dr. Turpin was born in Woodstock, Kentucky, son of the late James Aaron Turpin and the late Sarah Petrey Turpin. He graduated from Somerset High School in 1955, attended Cumberland Junior College and then earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Kentucky University. 

 

In the 1950s and 1960s, he taught 5th, 7th and 8th grade physical education and was also a coach at both the junior and high school levels. After earning his Master’s Degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, he became a Principal and Title I Director in Mason, Ohio.  Dr. Turpin earned his Education Specialist Degree from Georgia State University and then his Doctorate Degree in Administration and Supervision from Nova University in 1976. He then became the Superintendent of Schools in Danville, Ohio.

 

After moving to Georgia, he became a Principal in the DeKalb County School System, and then in 1978, he moved his family to Zebulon where he was the Superintendent of the Pike County School System, retiring after 16 years. Dr. Turpin was a devoted educator for 38 years, serving as teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent.

 

He loved sports. In high school and college, he played basketball and baseball, and was inducted into his High School Hall of Fame in Somerset, Kentucky. 

 

In later years, Dr. Turpin enjoyed golfing, attending sporting events and reading. For the last 40 years, he has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Zebulon. Prior to that, he was a member of High Street Baptist Church in Somerset.

 

In addition, to his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife, Betty Turpin; son Barry Turpin, step-mother, Zella Turpin, brothers Wayne Collins, Junior Collins, and Timmy Turpin and his sister, Betty Foster.

 

He is survived by his wife: Judy Turpin; son and daughter-in-law: Shane and Bonnie Turpin; step-sons and wives: Jason and Chasity Porter and Tyrone and Mandy Porter; grandchildren and spouses: Alicen Turpin, Andrew Turpin, Audrey Turpin, Tristen Porter, Michael and Brittany Redding, Brittany and Eddie Oswald, and Gracie Middlebrooks; great-grandchildren: Brennen, Bryson, Briscoe, Aiden and Penelope; sisters and brothers-in-law: Juanita and Bob Wilkerson, and Lisa and David Phelps; brothers: Steve Turpin and David Turpin; and several nieces and nephews.

 

Friends may visit the family on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 19, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home with Rev. Fred Blackmon and Pastor Matt Hinesley officiating.

 

Burial will follow in Eastview Cemetery in Zebulon.

Moody Daniel Funeral Home