James Witcher Turner moved to Pelham, NC in 1932. He was a graduate of George Washington High School, attended Emory University and Shrivingham American University in Swindon, England. In 1942, he was employed in management training with Carter Fabrics Corp. in South Boston, VA. In 1944 he left to serve his country in World War 11 in the United States Army as a combat infantryman and received battle stars for the Rhine River crossing and for combat in central Germany. In 1945 he resumed his job with Carter Fabrics Corp. which at the time merged with J. P. Stephens Co. where he continued to be employed for 44 years until retiring in 1984 as Operation Manager for a division of the company. During his years with the company, he was relocated several times working in South Boston, Great Falls, SC, Greensboro, NC and finally the New York City corporate office where he worked for 21 years. As a young man he was active in civic affairs and served as President of the South Boston Junior Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the Virginia State Jaycees, President of the Great Falls SC Jaycees, and Vice President of the South Carolina State Jaycees. He was an avid tennis player and was a member of the Stratford Tennis Club and the Ballou Park Hackers until he was 83. He was an active member of the Pelham United Methodist Church and served on numerous committees and served as chairman of the Administrative Council for 15 years. He was supportive of the Pelham Community Center and served many years as Vice President. He was appointed to the Caswell County Committee for service to the elderly which led to his serving on a seven county state regional committee for service to the elderly. He helped establish Caswell County's first qualified Senior Center in Yanceyville.