James Arvin Turk

James “Arvin” Turk, age 84, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home after an extended illness on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

Born on September 28, 1941, in Gainesville, he was the son of the late Lex Everett and Mary Blanche Duncan Turk. Arvin and his beloved wife of 63 years, Jenny “Florence” Turk, spent much of their lives farming and building a home filled with love, laughter, and devotion.

Known affectionately as Arvin, Daddy and Pa, he was the kindest man you could ever meet; gentle, patient, and endlessly devoted to his family. He was known for his warm smile, kind blue eyes, the scent of Old Spice and loving devotion that made everyone around him feel seen and cared for. His greatest joy was caring for and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Arvin had a gift for bringing joy to those around him. His laughter was contagious, his spirit light, and his love unwavering. A lifelong Atlanta Braves fan, through the good years and the bad, he found comfort and excitement in every game.

Arvin was a talented athlete in his younger years as well as an exceptional farmer, fisherman and woodworker. Each summer, he and Florence tended to their vegetable garden together, a cherished family tradition that brought everyone together season after season.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and simple joys, a life well-lived and deeply felt by all who knew him.

Arvin is now reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Florence, the love of his life, where their hearts are forever entwined.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Marie Thompson of Oakwood, Betty Anglin of Gainesville and Polly Sanders of Jefferson. Brothers-in-law, G.W. Chandler, Frank (Merle) Chandler, sisters-in law and brothers-in-law Jessie Mae (Walter) Margavich, Nettie Chandler and Margaret (Doug) Abernathy.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Judy Turk; daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Turk; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Kendyl and Brice Burke; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Jonathan and Brooke Turk; great-grandson, Carter Burke; and great-grandchildren Colton, Blaire and Carter Smith. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William “Bill” and Linda Chandler, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 31, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. and again Saturday Nov. 1 from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral hour at Little & Davenport Funeral Home in Gainesville. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1 in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home, with Pastor John Kinsey officiating. Interment will follow in the Lebanon United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers include grandson, Jonathan Turk, great nephews, Jacob Abernathy, Mitchell Abernathy, Paul Abernathy, Ben Chandler and Josh Chandler. Arvin was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be remembered always.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Arrangements are in the care of Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501.

The family is receiving flowers, orders may be placed with Adams Flower Shop, 2950 Old Cornelia Hwy, Gainesville, GA  30507. Phone (770) 532-4078

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