Charles James Tournoux

Charles James Tournoux, “Chuck”, passed away on June 18, 2025, at Beach House Assisted Living. True to his character, Chuck waited until the one moment when everyone stepped outside his room to die in the last of his cherished, but few, quiet moments!

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Marie, whom he always affectionately called “Dear”--- or on days when he was being funny with us kids, he referred to as HRH, “Her Royal Highness”! Also, paving Chuck’s way to heaven were: his parents (Mary and James Tournoux), two sons-in-law (Bob Bronson and Hunter Smith), his granddaughter-in-law Avery, siblings (Mary Jane, Kate, Pat, Marge, Donna, Jim, and Joe), and many family and friends. Chuck is survived by his 6 daughters Ann “D1”, Donna “D2” (Phil), Denise “D3”, D’Arcy “D4”, Danielle “D5” (Bobby), and Danette “D6” (Ed) -- and many other family friends who took on a “D” number to be honorary siblings. Although Chuck’s love for his 6D’s was undeniable, his grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life, especially in his later years when they would visit him at Beach House. To carry on Chuck’s legacy with his daughters and their spouses are his grandchildren: Melissa “Sam” (Jimmy), Charles “Charlie” (DeVan), Jennifer (Steve), Tina “granddaughter”, Corey (Clarissa), Zack, Jeremy (Victoria), Breanna (Ira), and Kathryn “Katie” (Nick) And his great grandchildren: CJ “little CJ” (Christina), Landon, Savannah “Savvy”, Elijah, Max, Eli, Cam, Nolan, Ira “Bub”, Will, Caden, Elizabeth, Ryland, Iris, and soon to be born, another namesake “Little T” Chuck also leaves behind one sister, Barb McCartney, of Ohio to carry on with their side of the Tournoux clan.

Love of family was first and foremost in Chuck’s life. However, there were two other great loves in his life: his love of God and love of country. Respect for God, Church, and country were non-negotiables for him, and were values he tried to instill in his family, not just in words, but most powerfully by example.

Chuck was a 20 year veteran with the United States Navy and took great pride in serving his country. Enlisting during WWII, he participated in an early graduation program during his senior year of high school so he could head to boot camp on February 2, 1943. After very many assignments, Chuck retired on September 18, 1963, as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate Chief Petty Officer. Upon retiring from the military, Chuck realized, with a wife and six girls to feed, a military retirement check would not cut it! He worked numerous jobs before he landed his last job with Civil Service. From October 1968 through June 1983, he swallowed his Navy pride, accepting a position at Marine Corps Engineer School, Courthouse Bay, Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. The reward of that ‘sacrifice’ came in the form of many lifelong friends, most notably Lt.Col. USMC (ret) Gary Kenter. Although Gary was Chuck’s boss, he was like the son Chuck never had! Gary’s sign off on written communications sums up their friendship perfectly: With love and respect.

Her Royal Highness/Dear always came first for Chuck, so when Marie’s Mama’s health was failing, they packed up and headed for Florida for the next stage of their retired life in Jacksonville Beach, FL, where they made many new church friends who also became bingo buddies (thanks so much, Jean Witt!), golf pals, and beach walkers. With their St. Paul’s church family, Chuck and Marie continued living their strong faith life, attending Mass, celebrating special holidays, and, of course, continuing their Knights of Columbus connection.

Finally, several years after his beloved Dear passed away, Chuck once again found himself at a crossroads, choosing his final earthly home at Beach House Assisted Living. For seven years, everyone at Beach House gave “Mr. Chuck” a warm, caring, and loving environment in which to spend his final years. Whether it was “Wine Down Wednesday”, a music event, people-watching, or working on one of the crossword puzzle books that went everywhere with him. “Mr. Chuck” could be found in “his chair” in the BH living room---that is, if he wasn’t playing bingo! To say our family is immensely grateful for their welcoming spirit for our whole family is an understatement. Thank you!

Very humbly, Chuck was a man of great generosity in mostly unacknowledged ways. In that spirit, we ask in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to the charity of your choice. Following a 10am graveside service at Jacksonville National Cemetery, the family will hold a gathering at the Beach House at 1:30pm on Friday, July 11th.