RIP James Turley
Twilight Zone Museum
April 15, 2016
I just received word that James Sheldon, director of "It's A Good Life", "The Whole Truth", "A Penny For Your Thoughts", "Long Distance Call", "Still Valley", and "I Sing the Body Electric" (shared credit with William Claxton) passed away on March 12th at the young age of 95. We were honored to have him with us at the 2002 Convention, where he talked about all six episodes, and about directing in the early days of TV - he began his directorial career in the late 40s with live television. He was retired for 30 years but remained active in the industry. He also released an autobiography, which was published by BearManor Media, in 2009. He will indeed be missed and his contribution to the world of television will always be greatly valued. Jim was indeed a prolific director, with a very very long resume. He said in 2002, "I was able to send my children to very good schools!"
TURLEY, James
Born: 5/11/1929, U.S.A.
Died: 3/4/2016, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.
James Turley’s westerns – assistant to the producer, assistant director, actor, stuntman:
The Virginian (TV) – 1969 (poker player)
J.W. Coop – 1971 (assistant to producer)
The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid – 1972 [stunts]
Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (TV) – 1990 [assistant director]