James D Turley

James Delano (David) Turley, born in Dorchester on May 6, 1933, settled in Braintree, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Benchmark Senior Living in Norwood, MA  on December 4th, 2024, at the age of 91.

Jim had an incredibly positive spirit and an insatiable love for learning, teaching, and family.Raised with his two brothers by his working mother Marion and her devout Irish Catholic family, Jim completed a theology degree at Queen of Apostles Seminary in Dedham but didn’t take his vows. Instead, he enrolled at Boston College, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and meeting the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Scanlon.

After Jim completed training at the US Naval Air Station Pensacola, he and Betty married in 1959 and remained proud and active members of the BC class of 1957 for their lifetimes. Jim then earned a Master of Education degree from State College at Boston, a Master of Arts degree from Northeastern University, and a doctorate in education from Boston University. During those years he began pursuing his lifetime passion — a career in education and leadership. He taught in the Boston, Canton, and Dover-Sherborn public schools, becoming assistant headmaster in the latter. He then had an illustrious 33-year career at Rhode Island College where he held the positions of professor of both English and Education, dean of the School of Education and Human Development, dean of the Graduate School, and retiring as professor emeritus. He also managed to be an adjunct professor of English at Northeastern University’s night school for 15 years. On the weekends, he turned into a housepainter, landscaper, and all-around handyman at his house in Braintree and family cottage in Marshfield, mechanic for his and his family’s cars, and boat captain and ice cream chauffeur to his grandchildren.

 
Although Jim has joined Betty and his beloved brother Edward, he is survived by his four children and their spouses — James and Jennifer Turley, Jeanne Turley and Jason Pressman, Christine Turley and Michael Moscaritolo, and Anne Turley and Daniel Cordeiro; his ten grandchildren — Laura, Liam, Noel, David, Elise, Ian, Grace, Maxwell, Genevieve, and James; his three step-grandchildren Alex, Sara, and Chris; his beloved brother George; his dear friend Mary; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law and 11 nieces and nephews. His family would also like to thank his many caretakers (friends) at Benchmark in Norwood.

Jim enjoyed football, Jeopardy, history, and making those around him feel good. He was known for his incredible kindness, his quick wit, his good looks, and his sense of humor, and his family will remember him on his boat exploring the Massachusetts coast; traveling Europe, the US, and Canada with Betty; reading a good book; or at the head of the table making the room laugh.
People who knew him called him Dad, Dad’n, Jim, Jimbo, or friend (but, as he used to joke, just don’t call him late for dinner). 

Visiting hours for Jim will be held Monday, December 23 at Peck Funeral Home in Braintree from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church 856 Washington St. in Braintree at 11:00 AM. Burial immediately after in Blue Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Pine Street Inn (pinestreetinn.org) or Partners in Health (pih.org) in Jim’s memory.

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