James Thomas Young

Deacon James T. Young was born on August 28, 1928 in Washington D.C. to Ruby Bridges and Thomas Lyles. Jimmy, as he was affectionately called, had 3 brothers and 3 sisters. He was born with infantile paralysis and after a number of operations, he was finally able to walk at the age of 7.

Jimmy left his family and home at the age of 15, heading for sunny California. When the bus driver announced that there would be a short lay over in Denver, Jimmy remembered his Grandmother telling him that "God lived in Denver, Colorado," and he decided to stay and meet God.

Jimmy found God many years later and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at Holy Trinity Church under the Pastoral leadership of Pastor Samuel Seaster. Jimmy loved church and was elevated to a Deacon and prayer warrior.

He worked at a number of Denver restaurants but his favorite place of employment was the Butcher Block Café on South Broadway. Jimmy retired after many years of service there.

In 1981 he met his beloved wife, Leatha Guss. They joined together in Holy Matrimony on August 7th, 1982. After much prayer and guidance of the Holy Spirit Jimmy joined Friendship Baptist Church of Jesus Christ under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Paul and Evangelist Dallas Burelson. Deacon James T. Young served on the Deacon Board and soon became the Chairman of The Board, a position he held dear to his heart. He mentored and guided many young people, especially young men on how to be a good man, and a good husband according to the laws of God. As his health began to fail he continued to be a staunch prayer warrior, praying not only for those he knew but even for those he didn't know. He would declare "Time is winding up, and eternity is only a prayer away."

Jimmy and Leatha both loved to travel, and shared six cruises with friends and family members. Jimmy was a fun loving man and enjoyed teasing and joking with everyone he met. He would always have a quick come back for every statement or situation. He loved laughter, fried catfish and the color red.

Deacon James T. Young fathered and nurtured 3 step children in his life. Mrs. Marie Cooper, Robert Groves and Donald Jones, all of Denver, Colorado. Jimmy also loved the Stevenson and Guss family and all of his friends.

On March 6th, 2018, Deacon James T. Young transitioned from the land of the dying to the land of the living with his Lord Jesus Christ.

He leaves many friends and family members to cherish his memory.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 15th, 2018 from 4-7PM at Olinger Hampden Mortuary in Denver. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 16th, 2018 at 11am at Friendship Baptist Church in Denver. James will be laid to rest at Olinger Eastlawn Cemetery on Friday, March 16th at 2pm.