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LAKE MILTON -- Dr. James G. Turk, 71, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away suddenly on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
Born on Nov. 27, 1954, in New Castle, Pa., to Samuel L. and Clara Coyne Turk, Jim's life was a testament to love, laughter and joy.
Affectionately known as "Doc" by friends, "Dad" by his daughters and his favorite title, "Papa," by his grandchildren, Jim was full of life and his unforgettable laugh was recognized wherever he went; he brought joy to everyone he encountered. Whether he was in Lake Milton, Ohio, or Anna Maria Island, Florida, he could be found on the golf course, playing pickleball or driving his grandchildren around on his golf cart.
Jim grew up in Boardman and graduated from Boardman High School in 1973, where he made friendships that stayed strong through every stage of his life. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1980; and he went on to work with his dad and eventually take over his practice. Jim loved his job and his patients, often saying, "If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life." That was his perspective on all aspects of life; he was able to find joy in everything he did.
He is survived by his wife and love of his life, Kathleen Turk; his daughters, Megan (James) Hlebak, Kimberly (Daniel) Kuhlman and Kaitlin (Ryan) Humenik; his granddaughters, Gracyn and Clara Hlebak, and Amelia Kuhlman; and his grandsons, Samuel and Hudson Humenik, and Miles Kuhlman. He also leaves behind his sister, Patricia Symons; brother, Timothy (Patricia) Turk; and sister-in-law, Judith Turk, all of whom will carry his memory in their hearts.
James was predeceased by both of his parents; his brother, Samuel L. Turk Jr.; and his father-in-law and dear friend, Albert H. Frank Jr.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate the life of Dr. James G. Turk by observing calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Canfield. Calling hours will also take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., the following day, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, where a procession will lead to the Mass of Christian Burial, beginning at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish-St. Charles Borromeo Church, Boardman. We will gather to honor his legacy and the indelible mark he left on our lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in Jim's honor, to Hospice of the Valley.
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