Alumni Success Story: James Turpen '55

For more than 80 years, James Turpen (‘55) has been a part of the Tallulah Falls School story. His connection to TFS began as a student. Then, at just 21, Turpen became the minister at Tallulah Falls Methodist Church, just steps from campus, a role he faithfully served from 1958 to 2002. In the 1960s, he served as dean of students for several years. 

Throughout the decades, Turpen remained a source of encouragement and care for students, teachers, and staff alike. TFS even played a role in one of his most meaningful life moments. In May 1963, while serving as the baccalaureate speaker for graduation, he joined the faculty for lunch in the dining hall, where he met Catherine, who would later become his wife of 60 years.

"James and Catherine are two of my favorite people, and Reverend Turpen is one of the strongest leaders I’ve known at TFS. He has invested his life here as a student, administrator, and trustee,” said President Dr. Larry A. Peevy.

For nearly two decades, Turpen has also lent his wisdom and guidance as a member of the TFS Board of Trustees, where he now serves as an honorary member.

Years ago, Turpen recorded his memories of his time at Tallulah Falls School. As we reflect on the impact of the TFS experience today, it is fitting to look back through his eyes.

Excerpts from first through eighth grades:

My first and second-grade teacher in the early 1940s was Miss Eula Dillard. We met in the basement of the
boys' and the girls' dorm, which is now the museum. We were blessed with a good playground that had swings,
seesaws, slides, sand, grass, and trees. 

Advancing to the third grade meant that we left our playground and went to the buildings that seemed so far up the Cherokee mountainside. Miss Eudora Noell was our teacher, as well as a house parent and the school's musician. She taught us the National Anthem, hymns, and songs like "Froggie Went a-Courtin."

In the fourth grade, we had a variety of teachers. The war years made it difficult to find teachers willing to come to the mountains for a meager salary and considerable responsibility. Senior girls often came to be our teachers, and at times, the third and fifth-grade teachers did double duty.

My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Amy Hannah, was from Oklahoma. She was Cherokee. Her stories and dress often reflected her heritage. She was a good teacher, inspiring students to appreciate the mountains and Mother Nature, and to be the very best they could be.

Grades six and seven were in a separate building with a library for the grammar school between the classrooms. All of these buildings were constructed with native stone for their foundations and steps. The main parts of the buildings were constructed from wood sourced from the mountains and painted or stained a rich, red wood color, trimmed in white.

Miss Beatrice Jones was our sixth-grade teacher. She emphasized the importance of reading and geography. As we began the seventh grade, Mr. William F. Lewis was the teacher, and Mrs. Lewis was the teacher for sixth grade. Mr. Lewis was a rigorous teacher, and math was his favorite subject. We felt like we had arrived in the "big people's world" when we entered eighth grade and moved to the high school building. Our teacher was Mr. A.B. Young, fresh out of the U.S. Navy.