Eddington man gives veterans gift of music

BANGOR – Now that the Maine Veterans Home has expanded to include a Residential Care Unit, Jim Turner has made his own addition to the facility.

Turner has donated a Technics organ to the unit, so that he and other volunteers – or the residents themselves – can make a little music.

“I like to see people happy,” Turner explained. “Music is the international language.”

The residents just love it when the Eddington man, originally from Baileyville, plays “Bicycle Built for Two,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “Clarinet Polka,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and other old favorites.

Not to mention Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood.”

“They dance all over the place,” Turner said.

“This is not the first time that Jim has turned over an organ to the Maine Veterans Home,” said Shirley Shannon, residential care activity coordinator. “He donated a Hammond organ many years ago to the main building shortly after their doors opened.”

Sometimes Turner performs with Zachary Fields, a Bangor entertainer who sings, juggles and rides a unicycle.

Turner has played piano, organ and keyboard for more than a half-century, and has studied at both Berklee School of Music and the original Northern Conservatory of Music. He has performed professionally, sometimes full time, and now is retired from General Electric.

“My mother was the one who kept after me to practice,” he recalled. “Music has always been a great part of my life,” adding that his wife, Shirley, supports his playing.

Turner has fond memories of taking the train to Madawaska to perform.

“Playing all those years, I’ve met some of the nicest people in the world,” he said.

“Residents enjoyed a highlighted dedication of the organ in February,” Shannon said, “and are enjoying the tunes each month as Jim comes in to play for them.”

Turner has volunteered at a number of nursing homes, and is pleased to be able to play for the veterans.

“They’ve done so much for us, I like doing something for them,” he said.