James Douglas Turner

James Douglas Turner was born in Morton, Mississippi to Ovell and Maybell Turner.  He was best known as Douglas or just Doug.  He was the first born of 5 children.  The family moved from Morton, Mississippi to Portland, Oregon in 1948 where Douglas spent most of his life.

He was married to Clara Wysingle and they had two children Bridgett Wysingle Turner and James Douglas Turner Jr.

Douglas worked hard as a skilled laborer and was a crafty carpenter.  He was a fixer in all trades and was called upon when help was needed.  Douglas earned the nickname ‘Snake’ because he was quick and could catch you by surprise.  In his young adult life he was the protector of his brother, sisters and cousins that lived in Portland.  Although he was nicknamed the Snake, he was not a bully, but he was a protector for those that were bullied!  While living in Portland he loved to spend time with his family, and loved playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Douglas moved to California in the late- 90s for a change of scenery.  He was successful in overcoming his addictions and lived a clean and renewed lifestyle.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed sitting out on his mother’s front porch catching the California sunshine.  He loved to play chess and dominos with his brother, Syrone, who was his best friend.  Let him tell it, he was the Domino King!  Douglas also loved music particularly the blues.

Douglas is preceded in death by his wife Clara, his son James Turner Jr., his brother Syrone Turner and his father Ovell Turner.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother Maybell Turner of Antioch, CA, daughter Bridgett Wysingle Turner of Portland, OR, his grandchildren James Douglas Turner III, Atehyia, Trishchell, Kiona and DeQuane all of Portland, OR and 12 great grandchildren, his sisters Oneda Turner of Antioch, CA, Annette Turner of Oakland, CA, Carlotta King of Portland, OR and a host of aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.