James P. Turner

Remembering our Loved One James P. Turner

James P. Turner of Smithfield, Virginia, departed this life on Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Newport News, Virginia, at the home of his daughter, surrounded by his family. James was born in Southampton County on May 28, 1933, to Alma Turner and Norman Byrum. He married Frances Diggs and they had six children, 13 grandchildren, 31 great-grands and four great-great grands. He enjoyed being with his family friends, sitting on the porch in Thomas Park, and spending time with his neighbors and all who would visit him. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. After moving to Newport News with his daughter, you would often find him hanging with his great-grandson Treyvion, Jeff and other special friends.

He was known and loved by many. He and his wife Frances opened their home and hearts to many children throughout the years. You always had a place in their home. James was known by many as Daddy, Popa T., Pop, Old Man, Granddaddy, Uncle James, Unc, James Turner, JT, and simply Turner. He retired from Smithfield Packing Plant after 40 plus years of employment. After retirement though, of course he continued to work.. . digging graves and cutting grass.

James was preceded in death by his wife Frances and his parents —Alma Turner Edwards and Norman Byrum; his son Gregory Diggs; and grandsons Antwan Diggs and Steven Harris. He was also preceded in death by his brother Douglas, sisters Alberta and Dannetha; his father & mother-in-law, Thomas and Corrine Diggs; as well as his sister-in-law Odessa Cypress and brother-in-law Thomas Diggs Jr.

Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Paula Willis and Lisa Steward (Jessie); three sons, Ivan Diggs (Saundra), all of Newport News, Virginia; Ronnie Diggs (Cynthia), of Zuni, Virginia, and Alexander Sam Turner of Suffolk, Virginia; his great grandson, who lived with him in Thomas Park, Treyvion Bowden; two sisters, Lillian Weaver and Mildred Redmond; one brother-in law, Calvin Diggs, two sisters-in law, Catherine Finney and Stella Finney. His circle of loving grandchildren was rounded out by Shalonda, Derrell, DeKeysha, Tanisha, Richard, Miranda, Sauvora, Jaleesa, Ivan Jr., Gregory Jr., Lamont, Jada and Malik; 31 great grands, and four great great grands. This circle would not be complete without three additional children that he reared as his own— Louise, Sherry and Rasha; two godchildren, Kimberly Bailey and Michael Robertson Jr; his two nieces who were caregivers to him— Kisha Cypress and Tina Johnson, and a host of nieces; nephews, cousins and friends.

On Tuesday, December 02, 2025 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:00pm on Wednesday, December 03, 2025 at Main Street Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Baptist Memorial Cemetery. Please keep the Turner family in your prayers.