September 20, 2007

Chaplain Jim Turner Retires from BroMenn After 27 Years

September 20, 2007 - Jim Turner, Jr., M.Div., BCC, of Normal, a chaplain for BroMenn Healthcare, has retired after 27 years of service to the organization.

Turner began his hospital career in 1980, as Brokaw Hospital’s first chaplain. Over the years, he has not only seen the hospital transform into BroMenn Regional Medical Center after its merger with Mennonite Hospital, but also the growth of the organization’s spiritual care services to include additional chaplains and Clinical Pastoral Education residency and internship programs.

A native of Bloomington-Normal, Turner is a graduate of Illinois State University. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University’s Divinity School in Nashville, TN. He is a board-certified chaplain (BCC) with the Association of Professional Chaplains and serves as the membership chair for that organization. Turner formerly served as a minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

For many years, Turner ministered to people of all faiths in their times of need or crisis, putting in long hours to help patients and their families feel at ease. He often served as a line of communication between the medical staff and the patient’s family. He was the chaplain assigned to BroMenn’s hospice program, and conducted grief support group for those dealing with loss. He also worked well with pediatric patients, using stuffed animals and puppets -- including his most popular puppet, a monkey named “Curious George” -- to communicate with the children.

In retirement, Turner looks forward to watching his two granddaughters, ages six months and two years, grow up. He will also keep busy by driving a school bus for Unit Five.