The Rev. James Turner Sr., longtime pastor of New Hope Baptist Missionary Church in Nashville, died Monday.

Turner, who was 71, was a former moderator of the Nashville City Missionary Baptist District Association, a former vice president of the Baptist State Convention of Tennessee National Baptist Convention of America Inc., and a longtime member of the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship.

He has been pastor at New Hope since 1972.

The Rev. Enoch Fuzz of Corinthian Baptist Church was a classmate of Turner’s at American Baptist College. He said Turner was great preacher and good friend.

“He was like an older brother to many of us,” he said. “Rev. Turner is one of those unseen heroes who helped innumerable people to navigate through life’s trials to become successful American citizens.”

Turner had been hospitalized with heart trouble, said the Rev. George Brooks of Saint James Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville. Brooks said he visited with Turner’s wife Donzetta last night, and a few hours later got the call that his friend had died.

Brooks said Turner had been active volunteer with National Baptist Convention of America Inc. at its annual meeting and had befriended pastors from around the country.

“He was a great soul,” said Brooks. “Turner will be missed.”

Details about his funeral and visitation are pending.