James "Jay" Andrew Young

James (Jay) Andrew Young, age 72, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Born in Kansas City on April 5, 1951, to the late John L. Young and Naomi R. (Brown) Young.

James is survived by his wife, Mechelle Young, his daughters Jennifer Hawley (Scott), Teresa Parsons (Bob), Lisa West, Stacy Young (Matt), Jackie Neidholdt (Jack), his Grandchildren, Kylie, Tjaden, Hailey, Alaina, Haylee, Kahlan, Kinzleigh, Parker and one great grandchild, Iris. His siblings John L. Young II (Kathleen), Alexander H. Young (Cinda), Michael O. Young (Joy), H. Steve Young (Simone), David P. Young (Anne), Ann M. Maxwell (Jim) and countless nieces and nephews.

Jay was preceded in death by his sister Patricia L. Young.

After graduating high school, Jay enlisted in the United States Navy and honorably served his country for eight years. He served on the Navy ship USS Saint Louis (LKA 116) during the Vietnam War. Jay was awarded the Combat Action Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. The USS Saint Louis was awarded two combat service stars for combat action while Jay was aboard.

In July 1978, Jay began his 33-year career with the Kansas City Fire Department, retiring in 2011 as a FAO. Jay loved being a firefighter and told everyone it was the “Best Job in the World”.

His love for camping, boating and telling stories will be forever remembered and very much missed.

No services are scheduled at this time. The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date.