James Michael Turba
James Michael Turba, age 52, passed away on December 4, 2025. He was born on January 27, 1973, in St. Petersburg, Florida.
James was a dedicated Process Engineer for Georgia Pacific and took great pride in his work. He earned a degree in chemistry from the University of Florida, an accomplishment that reflected his strong work ethic and intellectual curiosity.
Above all else, James was a devoted and proud father. He loved talking about his children and their achievements, and he cherished time spent with his family—especially watching football together, playing games together, and enjoying frequent family trips to Disney. He maintained close relationships with his childhood friends throughout his life, valuing loyalty, connection, and shared memories.
A man of faith, James was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Henderson, Nevada.
James was preceded in death by his father, Robin William Turba, and his mother-in-law, Sue Ann Miller. He is survived by his loving wife, Megan Miller Turba; his children, Nathan James Turba, Natalie Suzanne Turba, and Bennett Davis Turba; his mother, Elizabeth Ann Turba; his sister, Julie Turba Bobbitt, her husband, Michael Bobbitt, and their children, Peyton Bobbitt and Avery Bobbitt.
James will be remembered for his warmth, his dedication to his family, and the pride he took in those he loved.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made toward the education of James’s children.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:00 Am at St. Peter Catholic Church. There is no visitation, but friends are invited to the Mass. The Duker and Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
James – you joined us at the strangest of times when Covid had us greeting each other over a phone call. It was a few months before we finally met in person, and when we did the bond was instantaneous. There are so many words that can describe the kind of person we knew you to be: hard-working, affable, dedicated, helpful, unflappable. But bigger than that was your authenticity and openness. I can’t picture you without a smile and a laugh. You had a knowledge of music and bands like nobody else. Bystanders parted and watched in awe when you casually ran the pool table like it was just another Tuesday. We shared common interests in the outdoors and favorite childhood shows and Disney. You spoke fondly of your family and your pride in your children’s accomplishments was clear. I am still shocked and deeply saddened by the loss we all feel and I hope your family and friends know what they meant to you. We miss you, pal. Until we meet again…
James was truly a remarkable “dude”, a son, brother, father, husband, best friend, teammate and world-class manufacturing champion! But to those closest to him, knew him simply as “Hah-mehs”, the quick witted, sarcastic, unabashedly confident, and brilliant, brother in arms.
I became friends with James over 40 years ago at Oak Grove Middle School, where we formed a lasting friendship that feels as timeless as the classic tunes he loved so much. From unforgettable middle school antics to high school shenanigans, soccer games, college parties and onto the beautiful milestones of his marriage to Megan and the joy of welcoming Nathan, Natalie, and Bennett into the world, each moment shared with him is a very special memory.
Over the years, we were not close in proximity but stayed close through communication, talking on the phone, laughing, telling stories, listening to music, reminiscing and sharing the special moments experienced with our kids. Whenever we were able to get together it was always memorable and good for the soul. Although, as deadlines and commitments persisted, getting together became a bit more infrequent, so every time we spoke, we would end our conversation by saying “Love you brother, miss you”.
So it is with profound sorrow that I have to say this final time, love you brother, miss you! Rest easy now.
James, words are not coming as easily for me as they always did for us. While I never had a brother, I found one in you. Your quick wit and humor (and maybe a bit of brilliance) drew me to you instantly. From there, we never looked back. I look at the close-knit group of brothers you built in life and am inspired every day. I will miss hearing your voice and laughter as we reminisced about things that have no greater meaning in this world. You are definitely one of a kind and your light will shine on. I am so proud of you for the life and family you built with Megan. I miss you every day.
James, this is hard. This is devastating. I have been at a loss of words since we heard of your passing. I have loved you since the day we met at Oak Grove. The band of brotherhood was formed and only got stronger as we got older and moved apart. I regret missing your late night calls about music and sports but we made those up when you were on the road. I wish there was one more call I could answer. But now that call is to serve your family any way we can. I missed you before and will miss you everyday for the rest of my life. We as a collective brotherhood have always loved each other. This brings us closer to you and each other. Love you Vegmes! Always in my heart.
James and I became friends through mutual friends. Through our mutual love of sports and quick witted sarcasm we became better friends. We used to have big tailgate parties for Bucs games and sporting events with all the Pinellas Parker’s and the Clearwater folk together. Throwing footballs and kicking soccer ball’s around the parking lots “Go deep Hah-mehs” as I launched a football as far as I could. If I made a joke or said a wise crack James would definitely be laughing because he got it and he would be laughing right there with you. He had a devious laugh which always made me laugh even harder. James you were an awesome guy and a great dude, you will be missed.
I first met James at Oak Grove Middle in seventh grade, where i was a new kid. James went out of his way to say hello in PE class and we realized we shared sarcasm and a love of sports -and we’ve been friends since. I can still hear your Ms.Borum impression like it was yesterday. I also learned that trying to study the way you did (10 minutes before a vocab exam)…led to drastically different results. You’d get 100, i’d get a 60. On our sleepovers, we’d enjoy getting into mischief and playing neighborhood football. And of course, music was and always will be a topic of discussion. Although we went to different high schools, we kept in touch and never missed a beat. I was grateful to see our conversations shift to management tactics, parenthood, and even our journey with faith. You eyes lit up when you talked about your kids, and i must have heard you refer to Megan as a “Saint” a dozen times. Every year, we’d exchange texts about football games and i really enjoyed seeing you when i was visiting LV. You’ll be missed dearly my friend, and never forgotten. God bless.
The last time I saw James was at a hotel by Midway airport in Chicago, last year. He happened to be in town visiting the Whiting, IN plant and called me asking if I wanted to get dinner. I’m so glad I made the trek down there from the suburbs. We had a few beers and got deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s. While there he said I inspired his love of classic rock when we were kids/teenagers. I never knew this (I’m his cousin and a few years older).
When he was younger, we all called him Jamie but apparently in high school that changed to James.
I always thought it was awesome that he loved the Chicago Bears despite growing up in Florida. Their win last night would have made him ecstatic! That one was for you dude!
As kids we always spent Christmas together at our grandparents house so I got to see him every year and he became like a little brother to me. We did everything together that week I was there.
One final story, when he was in high school and I in college, James, his dad, my brother and I went backpacking in Wyoming at altitude. On the last day we decided we would beat his dad and my brother back to the car. We cruised through the forest and got there 45 minutes before them. However, I decided to put the radio so we both could rock out, but that ended up draining the vans battery! I took (and deserved). the responsibility for that, and James, Bob and Steve never let me forget that! Luckily someone in the parking lot had jumper cables and it all worked out.
James, I miss you dude (and your dad)! You’re both smiling down upon us after the Bears beat the Packers last night…Bear Down!
Sending condolences to the Turba family from Canada. Worked with James at the CertainTeed operation. James was definitely a SME in gypsum and a great Resource in manufacturing. God bless and Rest in peace JT