James Turnage, IV

James Columbus Turnage IV, affectionately known as Smurf, was born on July 4, 1982 in Richmond, VA. He was the first-born son of Felicia Milton and James C. Turnage III. He spent his early childhood years in the home of his grandparents, the late Rev. Irma L. Turnage and the late James C. Turnage Jr, who cherished and cared for him as their very own while his father served his country. After their death, he moved into the home of his father and step-mother, Iris Turnage, where he remained until he left for college. James began his formal education in Henrico County Public Schools. He graduated from Henrico High School in 2000 where he was an honor student who studied Vocal Music and Theater in the Center for the Arts and participated in the Honors, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate Programs. He performed in and worked on costume and set design for productions such as The Wiz and Into the Woods. Upon graduation, he attended James Madison University majoring in Classical Vocal Performance with a Music Education component and International Affairs with a minor in African-American Studies. While there, he served as a Resident Advisor in his dormitory and a Senator-At-Large in JMU’s Student Government. In his professional life, his career took shape in three main areas: Food and Beverage Management, Promotional Marketing and Office Administration. His journey in the world of Food and Beverage began in high school at Paramount King’s Dominion. His upward progression continued with titles such as Banquet Captain and Food and Beverage Supervisor at Richmond Marriott West (Columbia Sussex), Food and Beverage Manager at Westin, and ultimately, a principal executive at La Tartine Group where he helped open more than seven bakery cafes in the San Francisco Bay Area. He achieved numerous awards for his excellent service and leadership. He employed his office administration and customer service skills in his work for The Commonwealth of Virginia (ONA, VDEM, JMU, and Appeals), Wellpoint, Inc., and Manpower. In the area of Promotional Marketing he was a top performer who worked as a Brand Ambassador, Team Leader, and Field Manager to advance brand recognition, drive sales, and promote the image of the many companies he represented. He concluded his career at Havas Street where he was Logistics Coordinator for the BSI Control Logistics Program in Virginia. Faith, family, and community were of central importance in James’ life. He accepted the gift of salvation and was baptized at an early age as a member of St. Matthews United Holy Church under the late Elder Roger M. Lynch. As an adult, he continued to serve GOD at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, The Uptown Church of Christ in San Francisco, CA, and Cornerstone United Holy Church. He served the community through organizations such as: Richmond Hill, VA Opera, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Henrico High School’s Choral Music Department, USA Track and Field’s Youth Program, The Armstrong Leadership Academy, Meals on Wheels, Elder Partnership, and Sports Backers. He impacted and will be greatly missed by many communities from coast to coast and internationally. After a challenging, but courageous battle with advanced stage heart failure, James departed this life on Friday, November 25, 2022. He was proceeded in death by his grandparents, James C. Turnage Jr and Reverend Irma L. Turnage; his aunts, Theresa Turnage, Estelle Turner, and Gwendolyn Washington; his uncles, James Christian Jr and Lloyd Turner along with a host of other beloved family members. He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Felicia Milton and James C. Turnage III; his step-mother, Iris Turnage, his grandparents, James Christian Jr, Mary Christian, and Phyllis Milton; two brothers, Andrew Christian and Antoine Christian (Chanda); four sisters, Aarenne Milton, Chantelle Milton, Shanea Turnage, and Shantelle Guigma (Issaka); a former brother-in-law and cherished friend, Willie Valentine; four devoted cousins and honorary siblings, Antonio Henry (Amber), Glen M. Henry (Monica), Tonisha Frazier (Lamar), and Denisha Solomon (Joshua); five aunts, Angela Christian, Crystal Christian, Glenda Henry, Jennifer Ingram, and Gloria Turnage; four uncles, Richard Milton, Cornelius Turnage (Sonya), Corwin Turnage (Carolyn), and Anthony Washington; five nieces, 10 nephews, three honorary nieces, five honorary nephews, and a host of other family members, friends, and loved ones.

Tributes

James Turnage, IV

July 4, 1982 - November 25, 2022