A celebration of life for Mr. James Turner will be held on Saturday, April 4, at the auditorium of San Jacinto School, 1629 Grand Avenue in Liberty. A public viewing will take place from 9 to 9:45 a.m., followed by the service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sterling White Cemetery, 1101 Crosby Lynchburg Road in Highlands. Arrangements are entrusted to Barkley Memorial Funeral Home of Houston.
Mr. James Turner, known to generations of students as “Coach T,” was born on Sept. 24, 1934, in Liberty, Texas, to his loving parents. He attended the segregated West Liberty Schools and graduated as valedictorian of Liberty Training High School’s Class of 1954, having taken time away from his studies to help support his family. A gifted scholar and athlete, he earned both academic honors and athletic scholarships, later receiving his bachelor’s degree from Texas College and his master’s degree from Texas Southern University.
Coach Turner began his career in education as a teacher and coach in the West Liberty Schools. While pursuing his master’s degree at Texas Southern University in 1966, he met his classmate, Ms. Dorothy Robbins. The two were married in 1968, beginning nearly six decades of devoted partnership. Their union was blessed with one son, Dedric James.
Affectionately known as “Coach T,” he played a significant role in the integration of Liberty ISD and became a highly respected educator, coach, and assistant principal. Over a 45-year career, Coach Turner earned recognition as Teacher of the Year more than nine times and received honors from the University Interscholastic League for academic excellence. Throughout his career, he impacted thousands of students through his holistic approach to education and personal development. Even 20 years after his retirement, hundreds of former students and colleagues gathered to celebrate him at his 85th birthday.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cora (née Brazier) and William Francis Turner Sr.; and his brothers, William Francis Turner Jr., Doris Lee Turner, Herbert Turner, Lester Turner Sr., Amos Mosley, and Don Mosley.
Coach Turner passed away peacefully at his home on March 24, 2026. He leaves to cherish his memory and carry forward his legacy his devoted wife of 57 years, Dorothy Turner; his son, Dedric James Turner; his granddaughter, Bliss Avery; his goddaughters, Phyllis Broussard and Tia (Marcus) Jennings and baby Maliah; his sisters-in-law, Ruth Mosley and Joyce Burrell; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless students whose lives he helped shape.
A great man. Spent many an hour with him. Both as an athletic coach and a math tutor. Stern but always compassionate. Just a wonderful man all around!
Coach T impacted me during two different phases of my life. The first time I was his student, and the second time I was his colleague. Regardless of my age or relationship to him, Coach Turner treated me with both kind respect as well as great expectations; I gladly honor him with the same, and I thank God for allowing me to have lived under the influence of Coach T.
Hey Coach! What time is it? Coach: I don’t know. Time is always movin. Uhhh…how about “right now!” Coach: Time still movin. Uhhh….approximately what time is it? Coach: Oh, well, that’s easy! Why didn’t you say that to begin with? Coach: Odell, you just wasted 5 minutes of my time. Well, can I go to the bathroom? Coach: I don’t know. Huh? Coach: Your momma didn’t teach ya how? Yeah, so can I go? Coach: Well, yes, but you have to ask me right. Uhhhh…Can…? Coach: Nope, try again. Uhhh…may I go to the bathroom?? Coach: Yes, you can. Be back in 5 minutes! Coach, we can’t go running today, it’s too chilly outside! Coach: Chili? great! Go get me a bowl Mr. Odell! PRICELESS! I use it every day I teach kids…and many more Coach T sayings. This man is one of the people in my life that made it special. I will always remember him with admiration, love and respect.