James Harry Turpin, Sr.

James, H. “Jimmy” Turpin, Sr., 78, of Salem, Maryland passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Dorchester County on June 22, 1945, he was the son of the late James Elwood Turpin and Mattie Bennett Turpin.

Jimmy attended the local schools in Dorchester County and graduated from North Dorchester High School with the class of 1963.

On June 27, 1964 Jimmy married his high school sweetheart the former Patricia Payne.  Together they raised two children and continued to reside in Dorchester County.  He leaves memories to cherish to his wife Patsy of 58 years of marriage.

He enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1979.

Jimmy worked at Dupont in his younger years and part-time at the Hyatt in security.  He made a career working in law enforcement.  He worked for the Hurlock Police Department and Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy totaling 33 years of service.

He was in Future Farmers of America “FFA” in high school, a member of Fraternal Order of Police “FOP”, Lodge No. 27.  He belonged to the Blue Knights-International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and a member of Cambridge Country Club.

James was a “stay at home” kind of guy after retirement but enjoyed playing golf occasionally with friends.  He was always a sports enthusiast in his younger years.  He played softball and enjoyed watching football especially when the Ravens played. He will truly be missed by his family and friends.

Surviving Jimmy is his wife Patsy; daughter Kimberly Turpin White; son James H. Turpin, Jr. and his wife Constance Mae; grandchildren Randall L. White, Jr. (Paige Shelton), Sarah A. White (Peter Gorman), Brandon Sellers, Kylee and Bentley Miles; great grandchildren Jackson A. White and Peter V. Gorman, III; sister Teresa Holland and her husband Vaughn.

Preceding him in death besides his parents was a good friend Ed Thomas who passed away on August 26, 2023.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 pm. at Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A., Cambridge.  A graveside service will follow at Dorchester Memorial Park beginning 2:30 pm with Minister Scott Holotik officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Keith Benton, Glen Payne, Bobby Legg, Rusty Phillips, Dudley Bisker and Sheriff James Phillips.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jimmy’s name can be sent to Baywater Animal Rescue, 4930 Bucktown Road, Cambridge, MD 21613.