James Daryl Turpin - Patriot's Home Founder
James Daryl Turpin, aged 56, died on July 15, 2006 at his residence in Robert, LA. He was a native of New Orleans; a paint salesman and a Viet Nam veteran of the US Army. He was associated with the Patriots Home. Survivors include his wife, Deborah Turpin, Robert, LA; daughter, Emily Grace Turpin, Robert, LA; mother, Margaret Jones, Springfield; brother, Frederick G. Turpin, Bedico; and sister, Bonnie Gannon, Springfield. He was preceded in death by his father, Stockton Barras. Visitation at Geisler Funeral Home in Hammond on Wednesday, July 19 from 9 am until the religious service at 11 am. Interment will follow in Port Hudson National Cemetery with military honors.
"Hold those you love closely today for tomorrow they may be gone. Tomorrow comes sooner than you think." 
In case the image doesn't show well, the front of the hat says:
"Proud Vietnam Veteran 1970" The back says" "Signal"
The Story Of The HatA special memory for me of a very special man.
It all started on a former board when Signal posted a picture of himself in a
black baseball cap. I commented to him that he looked HOT in the black
cap. We laughed about it.
I guess neither of us thought anymore about it.
Two to three years later, when Katrina hit New Orleans, Signal lost
most everything, including his baseball cap.
Once he was able to get back online I received an e-mail from him in
which he said that his cap was molded and mildewed and if I would
like to do something for him, he would love it if I bought him a black
baseball cap. He wanted me to choose and told me he would always
think of me when he wore it.
I responded to his e-mail and told him I would take care of it, not
mentioning that I had a plan in mind.
I didn't want him to have "just" an ordinary cap.....I wanted it to be
special to him.
I found a store that did embroidery. I bought a black baseball cap
and had them embroider what you see above.
I didn't reveal anything further, when the hat was done, I simply
mailed it to him.
He was totally shocked and I will share with you his comments as he
was very proud of it. He made me laugh and he made me cry. It was
such a simple request, but you would have thought I hung the moon.
************
"I got them today and they are both killer. I never would have thought in a million years that they would be that special. They are special like you and every time I look at them I think of you. You are one of a kind. Thank you so much, I love them and will wear them out."
"I just can't get over how perfect your perception of others is. My hats are perfect and I will always treasure them and never forget you for your kindness and understanding. I have never known any one like you. You will always remain in my heart. "
"I'm scared to wear them, I so much don't want anything to happen to them because they mean so much to me. I will get ya some pics."
"I wore the black hat today.. You have created one proud sumbitch."
************
I also sent him another baseball cap that was the colors of his Pride and Joy,
Patriots Home. On the front it said, "Patriots Home" and on the back it also
said "Signal."
Debbie kept the hats to pass onto Emily, because he loved them so much.
That makes me very proud. It makes me cry. I still miss him
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