James G Turk

Obituary for Dr. James G. Turk

November 27, 1954 - August 7, 2026

Dr. James G. Turk, 71, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away suddenly on August 7, 2026. Born on November 27, 1954 in New Castle, Pennsylvania 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, bringing 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 from Case Western Reserve University in 1980, and 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 and 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. Calling hours will be held Wednesday August 12th from 5-7pm at Higgins- Reardon in Canfield. The following day, Thursday August 13th, calling hours will be held from 9:30-10:30am at Higgins-Reardon with a procession to St. Charles for a mass of christian burial at 11am, where 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.