Obituary of James H. Turnbull

Colonel James Hendricks Turnbull, OMM, CStJ, CD February 7, 1923 – October 31, 2010 Passed away at his home “Driftwood’ in Red Head after a brief illness. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick he was the son of the late Eber H. Turnbull and Florence Stopford. Survived by his son James H. Turnbull Jr. and wife Ellen (Barry) of Millidgeville; daughter Heather F. Turnbull (Toronto); foster daughter Doris Pico (Oregon); nieces Libby, Joan and Charlotte, and nephew Brooke; and grandchildren Alexandra, Emily and James. Predeceased by his wife Margaret (McLean); an infant son; and sisters Sally (Biscoe) and Arras (Saunders). A proud World War II veteran, Col. Turnbull served overseas with the 5th Canadian Armoured Division in the United Kingdom, Italy and the Netherlands. After studying at Khaki University of Canada (Leavesden, England), he returned to Saint John in 1946 and began his business career with the Bank of Nova Scotia, eventually moving into insurance and the establishment of his own agency (Parke-Stethem Insurance Ltd.). In 1956, he was one of the first individuals in New Brunswick to achieve the designation of Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada (FIIC). Eventually, he became a director of Fundy Broadcasting Ltd. (CFBC), Connors Bros. Ltd., and Fundy Cablevision, while volunteering for numerous charitable, religious and service organizations. Jim’s earliest days as a youthful editor and publisher of the Mount Pleasant News (with his best friend Pete Alward) spawned a lifelong interest in politics, business, history, and travel. And later in life, he particularly enjoyed keeping current with world and local news through consuming the daily newspapers, and keeping track of the various cruise ships sailing into Saint John Harbour. In addition to his family, Jim Turnbull’s great passion in life was the military. For over 60 years he was a dedicated reservist and gunner, particularly with the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (The Loyal Company) in which he achieved the rank of Colonel, then later, Honorary Colonel. He also maintained active involvement in the Byng Boys, Royal Canadian Artillery Association, Army Cadet League, Conference of Defense Associations, and the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. In 1978, Governor-General Jules Léger appointed Colonel Turnbull an Officer of the Order of Military Merit and, in 1993, he was named as Commander in the Order of St. John. Colonel Turnbull was particularly pleased and honoured to serve as the Reviewing Officer and take the salute at Saint John’s Remembrance Day Service in 2009. The family is especially appreciative of the love and outstanding care provided by housekeeper Robin Moore, and the dedicated team of caregivers who made Jim’s final year truly wonderful. Arrangements are with Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506.634.7424, with visitation on Wednesday and Thursday (Nov. 3 & 4) from 2 – 4 and 6 - 8 PM. The funeral service is Saturday, Nov. 6th, 3 PM at Trinity Anglican Church, Saint John, with interment at Fernhill Cemetery. A Tribute to a Veteran’s Service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday evening at 6 PM. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Army Cadet League, or to an organization of the donor’s choice.