Tribute paid to Councillor Jim Turnbull
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our long‑serving councillors.
Councillor Jim Turnbull, 85, who served the Leam ward from 1982 to 2004 and then Windy Nook and Whitehills from 2004 to 2026, has sadly died following a period of ill health.
Before entering public service, Councillor Turnbull was an instrument technician before he took early retirement. He was also chairman of the Windy Nook Primary School Governing Body and a governor of Furrowfield Special School.
Jim made a huge contribution throughout his time on the Council and held a number of key roles, including Vice Chair of Appeals Committee (2007 - 2014), Vice Chair of Children and Young People OSC (2004 - 2007), Vice Chair of Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning OSC (2002 - 2004), Vice Chair of Looked After Children OSC (2002 - 2006), Vice Chair of Scrutiny Panel Services A (2001 - 2002), Vice Chair of Looked After Children Scrutiny Panel (2001 - 2002), Vice-Chair of Housing Committee (1984 - 1999), and Member of Policy and Resources Committee (1986/87/88).
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of the Council, said:
"Jim's passing is an enormous loss for Gateshead. Jim was one of the most dedicated public servants this council has ever had the privilege of knowing. He gave over four decades of his life to representing the people of Leam Lane, Windy Nook, and Whitehills, and his commitment to the communities he served never wavered from the day he was first elected in 1982.
"Jim approached his work with real humanity. He was patient, thoughtful and utterly dedicated to the people he represented. Whether he was dealing with complex policy issues or supporting residents with day‑to‑day concerns, he always brought compassion and a genuine desire to make things better. His contribution touched so many areas of our borough, and the legacy of his efforts will be felt for years to come.
"Our sincerest condolences go to Jim's family. We are keeping them firmly in our thoughts at this very sad time."
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our long‑serving councillors.
Councillor Jim Turnbull, 85, who served the Leam ward from 1982 to 2004 and then Windy Nook and Whitehills from 2004 to 2026, has sadly died following a period of ill health.
Before entering public service, Councillor Turnbull was an instrument technician before he took early retirement. He was also chairman of the Windy Nook Primary School Governing Body and a governor of Furrowfield Special School.
Jim made a huge contribution throughout his time on the Council and held a number of key roles, including Vice Chair of Appeals Committee (2007 - 2014), Vice Chair of Children and Young People OSC (2004 - 2007), Vice Chair of Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning OSC (2002 - 2004), Vice Chair of Looked After Children OSC (2002 - 2006), Vice Chair of Scrutiny Panel Services A (2001 - 2002), Vice Chair of Looked After Children Scrutiny Panel (2001 - 2002), Vice-Chair of Housing Committee (1984 - 1999), and Member of Policy and Resources Committee (1986/87/88).
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of the Council, said:
"Jim's passing is an enormous loss for Gateshead. Jim was one of the most dedicated public servants this council has ever had the privilege of knowing. He gave over four decades of his life to representing the people of Leam Lane, Windy Nook, and Whitehills, and his commitment to the communities he served never wavered from the day he was first elected in 1982.
"Jim approached his work with real humanity. He was patient, thoughtful and utterly dedicated to the people he represented. Whether he was dealing with complex policy issues or supporting residents with day‑to‑day concerns, he always brought compassion and a genuine desire to make things better. His contribution touched so many areas of our borough, and the legacy of his efforts will be felt for years to come.
"Our sincerest condolences go to Jim's family. We are keeping them firmly in our thoughts at this very sad time."
