Obituary lovingly written by the family of James "Jimmy" Dean Turpen.

James “Jimmy” Dean Turpen was born March 10, 1946, in Pleasanton, Kansas, the son of Lonnie Turpen and Ruby (McBride) Turpen. He passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the age of 80, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and will miss him always.

Jimmy grew up in Kansas and graduated from Pleasanton High School. Following high school, he honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps, a service and commitment that remained a source of pride throughout his life. His faith was equally important to him, and he devoted himself to serving the Lord and was a former member of the Joplin Community of Christ Church. Jimmy also dedicated much of his life to serving his community. Through nearly thirty years with the City of Neosho Recreation Department and his involvement in coaching, he invested his time and heart in the lives of children throughout the community. That same devotion was at the center of his own family. As a father to his three sons, he made sure they were raised with love, guidance, and strong values, always knowing how deeply they were loved.

On December 27, 1969, Jimmy married the greatest love of his life, Mary Maxine Turpen. Together they shared more than fifty-two years of marriage, building a home, raising their three sons, and creating a lifetime of memories. Their devotion to one another endured through both the joys and challenges of life. In later years, when Jimmy’s health presented new challenges, Mary faithfully stood beside him as his partner, caregiver, advocate, and constant source of strength. She was truly his rock. Her passing on April 11, 2022, brought an end to their years together on this earth, but never to the love they shared or the family and life they built together.

Jimmy’s love only grew as his family grew. He dearly loved each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to be with them. One of the family’s most cherished traditions was gathering together each year for Thanksgiving. It was a time when Jimmy had his children, grandchildren, and the whole family together in one place—laughing, visiting, sharing a meal, and simply enjoying one another. Those Thanksgiving gatherings became more than a tradition; they became treasured memories of a father and grandfather surrounded by the family he loved so much.

Jimmy is survived by his three sons, Kevin Turpen and wife Hayley, Kent Turpen and wife Angela, and Mark Turpen; one brother, Robert Turpen; eleven grandchildren: Kevin’s children, Alexa and Matthew; Kent’s children, Noah and Jade; and Mark’s children, Kael Turpen and wife Sage, Mareika, Wyatt, Justice, Braelyn, Kason, and Declan; and three great-grandchildren, Kael and Sage’s children, Cedar, Maple, and Cypress.

He was preceded in death by the great love of his life, his wife, Mary Maxine Turpen; his parents, Lonnie and Ruby Turpen; and his brother, Glen Turpen.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho, Missouri, with funeral services immediately following at 10:00 AM.