James (Jimmy) William Turk

It is with heavy hearts that the Turk Family wants all to be informed of the passing away of James (Jimmy) William Turk on October 1, 2024. We are deeply saddened by his sudden passing of a massive heart attack at the place he loved – Turk Family Ranch.

Jimmy was born to parents Sam Turk and Patricia Martin Turk on February 19, 1958, in the old Holmes Hospital in Gonzales, Texas. He was the first grandchild born in the family and was easily adored by all with his inquisitive nature and loving spirit.

Jimmy learned to hunt and fish at an early age and this desire for all the outdoors only grew as he aged. He could find a deer or coon when none seemed to be present and could catch fish a fish when no one else was getting a strike. Jimmy's deep passion for the outdoors and his love of nature was evidenced in his life as he shared his talents with many young children and friends.

He was very interested in Indian artifacts and spent many hours searching for arrowheads and other Indian items at the ranch. Jimmy was very successful over the years in developing a beautiful and extensive collection. He was very proud of his finds and enjoyed showing his collection to others. Also, he was very interested in panning for gold. He made several trips to New Mexico looking for his pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. His monetary success was minimal, but he had great pleasure in the hunts.

Jimmy was a skilled carpenter and shared his abilities at the ranch and helping others. No job was too big or too small for him as he obtained great pleasure in his work. He built a beautiful fireplace at the ranch house using petrified rocks he and his brothers picked up over the years. He had never laid rock before that fireplace construction. He loved antiques and developed an extensive collection of unique items. Many hours were spent combing junk yards where he found historical and and rare items. These searches gave him great pleasure. As the old saying goes, “One man's trash is another man's treasure” was very true for him.

Jimmy was a very talented oil field welder and was highly respected by oil companies who sought him because of his extraordinary welding capabilities from the simplist of requirements to undertaking complex structural repairs and fabricating parts for oil rigs. He attended welding training in Victoria and operated a successful welding business of his own for some 40 year's.

At the age of 12 Jimmy made a profession of faith and was baptized inviting Jesus Christ into his life as his Lord and personal Savior. He was a member of East Side Baptist Church. All who knew Jimmy or observed his life observed he had a deeply tender heart and giving spirit. He loved people and was willing to help others in need. He was the type of man who would literally give you the shirt off his back to help others. Jimmy was known for going shirtless quite often which reflected his unselfish giving spirit.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Martin Turk; grandparents Milton and Mrs. Willye Turk; grandparents Dr. Walter and Mrs. Jacquie Sievers.

Jimmy is survived by his son, Josh Turk (Evelyn) and daughter Susi Simpson (Dave) and his devoted companion Carnella Mosley; father Sam Turk (Carla), mother of his children Ellen Harty, brothers David (Debbie) and Mike (Vicki) Turk; stepsister Diana Fain (Doug), stepbrothers Rusty Steed (Nichole) and Justin Hernandez, and grandchildren Jessi Turk, Matt Simpson, Dylan Simpson; nieces Jenny Turk, Samantha Turk; nephew John Turk; Carnella's daughters and grandchildren, extended family and a lifetime host of friends. A special expression of gratitude is extended to the friends and EMT personnel who assisted with his emergency care.

A memorial service will be conducted at Seydler Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales, Texas, on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Steve Faulkner will be in charge of services. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that remembrances may be made to East Side Baptist Church, Gonzales.

Friends may sign the guest book and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul St. Gonzales, TX