James Turner just thought he was going to get to retire back in 2007. Two months after his retirement from working for Wood County District Attorney Jim Wheeler as a criminal investigator, Turner received a phone call which changed everything for him.

The call was from Kathy Gilbreath, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, asking him if he would like to come back to work for Wood County, this time as the Chief Intake Officer at the juvenile department. Turner began a new career which would last 10 years with the juvenile department.

Turner graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1974 and went to Tyler Junior College earning an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement. He stayed in Wood County, signing on with the Quitman Police Department (QPD) in 1975 at the tender age of 19, making a salary of $400 per month.

After two years with QPD, Turner was hired by Wood County Sheriff Bill Edd Jones in 1977 as a deputy, Turner worked for Jones and stayed on with the sheriff’s department through the administrations of sheriffs Frank White and Bill Skinner.

He left the sheriff’s office in 1999, but stayed on with Wood County, going to work for District Attorney Mark Taylor as a criminal investigator. During those years, Turner also earned a Master Police Officer certification from the state licensing bureau.

“I have enjoyed all my jobs. Law enforcement is not a job where you see immediate rewards, but you do get rewards,” Turner noted. “I always tried to be fair and respectful even when I had to arrest someone. I would say I have enjoyed working at juvenile probation the most. You have a chance to change a child’s life and to affect how their parents interact with their child.”

Turner believes family life is of vital importance for yon g people. “I see the biggest problem with juveniles is the family. Many of them do not have a role model who is someone that can teach them and love them,” Turner said. “Many of the children really have no support so if they had a mentor it would be a great help.

He has some valuable advice for parents. “My advice for parents today would be to get involved with their child. Know who their friends are, look at their devices, and see what they are doing online,” Turner explained. “Don’t be afraid to make them go offline. You can trust your child, but verify what they are doing. Parents need to be parents. The child may not like it, but as they grow up, they will know why you did what you did.”

The retiring officer recommends his profession. “I would recommend law enforcement as a career. As with all things, you must treat people fairly and with respect, and you need to let them know they have to follow the rules or they will have consequences,” Turner advised.

As far as retirement this time around, Turner has plans.”I plan to see my grandchildren and spoil them as much as possible. I have five children I am very proud of and seven really good grandchildren and they are all my greatest accomplishment,” Turner added. “It seems unreal I have worked for Wood County for 41 years. It seems like those years have flown by.”

Turner heads off to the next journey in his life and this time, he plans to stay retired.