The oldest of five boys, Jim Turner was born in St. Louis and grew up in the housing projects in Springfield, IL. His father was a preacher and taught him acceptance of others. He graduated from Lanphier High School and went on to earn a degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1965. While at Eastern, he wrestled for IWCOA Hall of Fame coach "Hop" Pinther. After college, Jim served as a teacher, coach and medical social worker for 35 years before his retirement. He was the Marian IKWF coach from 1988-2001. Jim began officiating in 1981. He worked nine IHSA state meets and 10 IKWF state tournaments. Jim also officiated in three other sports, totaling over 100 years of officiating experience. Also, he has worked numerous AAU and USA Wrestling tournaments as well as playoff games in football, baseball and softball. He has also worked as an official for eight girls track state tournaments and as a bench official for eight state individual wrestling tournaments and several dual team wrestling tournaments. A member of the IWCOA Executive Board, Jim also serves on the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. He was inducted into the IWCOA Hall of Fame in 2007 and is a member of the Illinois Softball Coaches and Umpires Hall of Fame. Jim is also a Past President of the Egyptian Officials Association (Basketball, Football and Wrestling) of Southern Illinois. Jim is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Shriners and also serves as Gideon Bible speaker. He has received the Meritorious Service Award from the Scottish Rite and the Shrine Crippled Children's Hospital Emeritus Service Award.