Obituary for Jory James Turner
Jory James Turner, our wonderful Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Son, and friend passed from this life unexpectedly at his home on December 2, 2022. His last days and months were spent working with and being amongst friends, visiting with family whom he loved so much, and preparing for retirement.
Jory was the first-born son to James “Jim” and Judy Turner on September 3, 1962, in Granger, Utah. He grew up in northern Utah and as a young boy he loved going to his grandma Maxwell's house where he would spend time with his uncles, relatives, and friends. He loved riding his motorcycle in the hills by his home and playing kickball until it was too dark to see. He had the most darling dimples, and his charming and energetic personality always made him the life of the party.
Jory attended Alta High School until his family moved to Parowan, Utah in 1978. He was the tall, dark-haired, handsome new kid in town with a charisma and sense of humor to match. Everyone knew you should not mess with any of the Turner kids, or you’d have to answer to “Big Jor”. He enjoyed playing basketball and working at the grocery store. He started working at a young age and often held two jobs. During high school he had saved enough to purchase a Mercury Montego in his favorite color, red. He was so proud and happy to own this dream car. His love of cars and the color red continued throughout his life.
Jory graduated Parowan High School in 1980 and soon after married Paula Benson. They welcomed a daughter Brittany, in 1982 and shortly after Jory started his career as a Chef and assisted in opening the restaurant Ferdinand’s in Las Vegas. Jory and Paula later divorced, and he had made his way back to Cedar City.
He later met and married Tracy Buhler, they welcomed their daughter Jordan, in 1989 and later divorced. Jory’s daughters, Brittany and Jordan were the absolute light of his life. If you knew him at all, you knew how proud he was of his beautiful girls. Jory had many different occupations over the years but with his captivating, and charismatic personality his best fit was in the food-service industry. Complete strangers became friends, and Jory remembered every one of them, and what they loved to eat. He took pride in his work and cared about each, and every one of his co-workers and customers. Jory was a tall 6’5” (which his grandsons are all trying to catch up to) and his heart was bigger than he was. You always felt welcomed and loved through his big smiles, handshakes, and firm hugs.
Jory is and will be deeply and profoundly missed. His passing has left an ache in our hearts that will only subside when we are wrapped in his big hug once again. We can only imagine the reunion he is having with his wonderful parents and grandparents
Jory leaves behind his beloved daughters Brittany (Whitney) Houston, and Jordan Turner. His sisters, Jill (Lee) Leslie, and Jayley (Gaden) Griffin, and his brothers Jason (Stacey) Turner, Jeremy (Ann) Turner, Justin (Sharline) Turner and Josh (Kristin) Turner, as well as seven grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and others. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, James “Jim” and Judy Turner and Grandparents Clayton and Anna Turner and Alvin and Louise Maxwell.
Jory’s family would like to thank all of those who have expressed their sympathy and given service in this difficult time. You have all been truly wonderful and an example of the love and kindness Jory shared. We would also like to especially thank those friends and his co-workers at the St. George Cracker Barrel for their love, friendship, and kindness over the years. A viewing will be held Saturday December 10th. from 9:30-11:00 am at Heartlight Funeral Home at 2002 N. Main Street, Cedar City, followed by an internment at the Parowan Cemetery at 11:30 am and a Celebration of life for family and close friends to follow at Patty’s Stake house
Jory was the first-born son to James “Jim” and Judy Turner on September 3, 1962, in Granger, Utah. He grew up in northern Utah and as a young boy he loved going to his grandma Maxwell's house where he would spend time with his uncles, relatives, and friends. He loved riding his motorcycle in the hills by his home and playing kickball until it was too dark to see. He had the most darling dimples, and his charming and energetic personality always made him the life of the party.
Jory attended Alta High School until his family moved to Parowan, Utah in 1978. He was the tall, dark-haired, handsome new kid in town with a charisma and sense of humor to match. Everyone knew you should not mess with any of the Turner kids, or you’d have to answer to “Big Jor”. He enjoyed playing basketball and working at the grocery store. He started working at a young age and often held two jobs. During high school he had saved enough to purchase a Mercury Montego in his favorite color, red. He was so proud and happy to own this dream car. His love of cars and the color red continued throughout his life.
Jory graduated Parowan High School in 1980 and soon after married Paula Benson. They welcomed a daughter Brittany, in 1982 and shortly after Jory started his career as a Chef and assisted in opening the restaurant Ferdinand’s in Las Vegas. Jory and Paula later divorced, and he had made his way back to Cedar City.
He later met and married Tracy Buhler, they welcomed their daughter Jordan, in 1989 and later divorced. Jory’s daughters, Brittany and Jordan were the absolute light of his life. If you knew him at all, you knew how proud he was of his beautiful girls. Jory had many different occupations over the years but with his captivating, and charismatic personality his best fit was in the food-service industry. Complete strangers became friends, and Jory remembered every one of them, and what they loved to eat. He took pride in his work and cared about each, and every one of his co-workers and customers. Jory was a tall 6’5” (which his grandsons are all trying to catch up to) and his heart was bigger than he was. You always felt welcomed and loved through his big smiles, handshakes, and firm hugs.
Jory is and will be deeply and profoundly missed. His passing has left an ache in our hearts that will only subside when we are wrapped in his big hug once again. We can only imagine the reunion he is having with his wonderful parents and grandparents
Jory leaves behind his beloved daughters Brittany (Whitney) Houston, and Jordan Turner. His sisters, Jill (Lee) Leslie, and Jayley (Gaden) Griffin, and his brothers Jason (Stacey) Turner, Jeremy (Ann) Turner, Justin (Sharline) Turner and Josh (Kristin) Turner, as well as seven grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and others. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, James “Jim” and Judy Turner and Grandparents Clayton and Anna Turner and Alvin and Louise Maxwell.
Jory’s family would like to thank all of those who have expressed their sympathy and given service in this difficult time. You have all been truly wonderful and an example of the love and kindness Jory shared. We would also like to especially thank those friends and his co-workers at the St. George Cracker Barrel for their love, friendship, and kindness over the years. A viewing will be held Saturday December 10th. from 9:30-11:00 am at Heartlight Funeral Home at 2002 N. Main Street, Cedar City, followed by an internment at the Parowan Cemetery at 11:30 am and a Celebration of life for family and close friends to follow at Patty’s Stake house