Delma James Turner, Jr., 73, of Norfolk, VA, passed away on March 5, 2026. Born on July 25, 1952 in Durham, NC he was the first-born son to the late Delma and Nancy.
Preceded in death by his parents, Delma J. Turner, Sr. and Nancy R. Turner, son (born sleeping), and brother Russell V. Turner. He is survived by his wife, Diana Turner of Norfolk; two daughters and sons-in-law, Rachel Mitchell with husband Michael of Virginia Beach and Abigail Brooks with husband Ryan of Virginia Beach; 4 grandchildren, Zachary, Jennifer, Mason & Connor; sister, Florie Basham of Norfolk; multiple nieces, nephews & cousins.
“D.J.”, as he was known as by family and friends, was a professional semi-truck driver for several decades. He was a hard-working man who valued family and instilled those values in his children. He had a passion for music, singing, and whistling. He and his wife, Diana, met while singing in Barbershop Choruses. Throughout the years together, music and singing were always a part of their lives. They sang in Barbershop Choruses, Church Choirs, and Virginia Voices International. For a while he drove the Church bus for the Youth trips, and he would drive the Church van for Sunday School pickups. He had a boisterous personality who never met a stranger. D.J. loved the simple pleasures in life like playing golf and fishing whenever he had a chance.
For many years he took pride in being the face many children recognized as Santa Claus. He wanted each child that he met to feel that special magical connection you could only have with the real Santa. He would try to get the name and interests of each child before they would walk up so he could personalize the conversation; after all, Santa knows each child individually! D.J. felt it was very important that children could experience that sense of magic in their lives.
D.J. loved life and celebrations. To honor that, a Celebration of Life will be hosted on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Kings Grant Baptist Church, 873 Little Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Benevolent Fund at Kings Grant Baptist Church in memory of D.J. Turner to continue supporting those in need.
