James Leon Turman

On October 20, 2024, James Leon Turman, known as Leon to all and Pops to his family, left

this Earth surrounded by loved ones. Although his soul has risen, his legacy of 77 years left an

imprint on others that will never be forgotten.

Leon was born in Abilene, Texas, to Leonard and Leta Turman. He graduated from Fort Worth's

Trimble Technical High School in 1966, where he studied industrial electrical systems and

college prep. Tech is also where he met the love of his life, Debora Prescott.

Leon married Deb in September 1967, just before he was shipped to Vietnam. Leon served one

tour of duty as an Infantry radio operator for his Colonel in Vietnam, and his time there left an

indelible mark on his soul.

Leon and Deb settled in Fort Worth, TX, and welcomed two beautiful children to their family.

Tracey and Mike became the center of their world, and Leon loved being a father.

Leon started his career as an electrician. He spent 22 years working for the Federal Bureau

Prisons, specializing in security and surveillance mechanisms. He started his own company

early in his career, doing electrical work on nights and weekends. He worked hard and took

every opportunity he could, including moves to Phoenix, New Jersey, Canon City, Washington

D.C., and Oregon. He finished his career at Jacobs Engineering, where his son Mike started his

career. They enjoyed sharing this part of their lives together.

Leon’s favorite memories include his travels to Europe with Deb and his adventures and road

trips with his family. In his free time, Leon loved helping people fix things, especially his

children.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Leta, mother-in-law Margaret Ivy, and

sister-in-law Elaine Turman. He is survived by his wife and loyal life partner of 57 years, Deb

Turman, as well as his children, Tracey Turman of Canon City, CO, and Mike Turman (Becky

McBride) of Denver, CO, and their children. Leon is also survived by his brother, Gary Turman,

and his children and grandchildren, by his brother and sister-in-law, Johnny and Linda

Prescott, and their children and granddaughter. As well as a host of friends.

His four grandchildren, Meara, Ben, Cooper, and Jaleen will be his legacy. May they live in the

spirit of their Pops—laughing, connecting, and loving all who cross their paths.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 2:00 PM

at the Quality Inn and Suites, 3075 E US 50, Canon City, CO 81212. He will be interred at the

Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Brennan Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, on March 20, 2025

at 2 p.m.

Donations/gift ideas:

The Fisher House Veterans Administration - https://fisherhouse.org/programs/houses/

Or, instead of gifts or donations, please call a loved one or friend and take them to lunch. Our

time is short, and Leon would want everyone to focus on the people you love most.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Leon Turman, please visit our floral store.