James Francis Turnbach Jr. of Troy, MI passed away peacefully on October 6th, 2023, at age 60. He was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on July 14th, 1963 to James F. Turnbach Sr. (deceased) and Loretta Dugan Turnbach. He grew up in Sterling Heights, MI and graduated from Sterling Heights Stevenson and the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science. He spent his career as a committed chemist at BASF. An avid Michigan fan, Jim enjoyed woodworking, volunteering, bowling, spending time with loved ones, barbequing, and listening to classic rock. He met the love of his life Joanne Turnbach, and the two married on October 2nd, 1993. The two celebrated 30 years of marriage. Jim and Joanne had their daughter Erin, and being a father was his greatest joy. He was extraordinarily proud of her accomplishments in academics, athletics, and sense of community. Jim is survived by Kathy (Kevin) Blake, Maureen (Mark) Sturza, Beth (Jim) Collins, Mary (Dave) Keener, Tom (deceased) Hawley, and Kenneth Hawley. He was also a loving uncle of Noah, Maya, and Jacob Keener, Sean and Danny Blake, Courtney (Phil) Dooley, and Ryan Sturza. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made towards Erin’s college education.

All those who knew Jim knew he was a proud alumnus of U of M, and he was overjoyed when his daughter Erin decided to attend as well. Now a sophomore studying Biology, Health, and Society on the pre-Physician Assistant track, Erin shares in her father's love for the university. She maintains a 4.0 GPA in the Honors College, works as an aid to students with disabilities, is an undergraduate research assistant, and is a committed member of multiple clubs and volunteer organizations. In Jim's honor, we ask that donations be made towards her education so that she can continue to live out the dream of both her and her loving father.

Thank you for your love and support, and Go Blue!