Development Director dies

Stacy Barnes

Mustang lost a valued city employee last week when Community Development Director Jim Turner passed away. Turner, 62, had served as the head of Community Development for more than 10 years and oversaw inspections, business licensing, and planning/zoning for the city, tasks which required Turner and his staff to determine how the community could best grow.

Area leaders were saddened at the news of Turner’s passing.

“He was excellent and will be sorely missed both as a friend and a co-worker,” said City Manager David Cockrell. “He was a tremendous man who worked with so many boards and commissions and was actively involved in the city. He was a great department head.”

Mayor Jeff Landrith echoed the sentiment saying, “Jim was a very well respected man. His heart was in the right place and you couldn’t help but like the guy. When I think of him I think respect, respect, respect.”

Services for Turner were held Sat., Jan. 6 at McNeil’s Mustang Funeral Service.