County of ramp: Christian County
Location of ramp: Riverside Rd. & Finley River Parkway, Finley River Park, Ozark
The Person:
James M. Turner
James M. Turner, 80, Ozark, died in his home, Friday, March 12, 2004. He was born Sept. 17, 1923 in Stella, the son of Samuel and Frances Ruth (Sanders) Turner.
"He served his country in the U.S. Army, 7th Infantry in the Pacific Theater, during World War II. On Sept. 22, 1946 he and Miriam Marrs were united in marriage.
"Turner was employed by Empire District Electric from 1948 until 1984, retiring as District Manager. He was a charter member and very active in Ozark United Methodist Church. He was also a charter member of the Ozark Rotary Club, and past president of the Ozark Chamber of Commerce, and was named Citizen of the Year. He was a member of the Ozark Boosters Club. He was past president and an active member of the Ozark Park Board. In honor of his years of Park Board service, the Conservation Department named the Ozark Finley River Access the Jim Turner Landing in 1999." ~ Bolivar Herald-Free Press Mar 15, 2004
Turner was a charter member of the Ozark Rotary Club and rarely missed a meeting. Jordan Needham, president, said Turner exemplified the club's motto.
"Jim Turner was a charter member of the the club which was established in 1968," Needham said. "He exemplified the true meaning of Rotary and our motto of 'Service above Self.' He will be greatly missed as a friend of Rotary and of the community"
"In 1996, in appreciation of that support, the Parks Department dedicated the Finley River public access to him in honor of his service. The Jim Turner Public Fishing Access Point in the Finley River Park is a testament to a man who was considered a true gentleman and a modest one." ~ ccheadliner.com
The Place:
"The Jim Turner Public Fishing Access offers fishing access in Ozark, Missouri to the Finley River. The fishing here is fair for bass and catfish and good for sunfish.Driving Directions:Go South of Springfield on Highway 65 and east on Route CC, then south on Route NN. From NN, turn east onto McCracken Road and follow the bridge across the Finley River at the Ozark mill. Turn left into the Ozark city park." ~ Family Outdoors