James "Hal" Young

James “Hal” Young was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Hal will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

He was the son of Charlotte (Bass) and Everett Young, and grew up in Berkeley, Missouri. Hal had five siblings: He had two older brothers, David (Virginia) Young and Gary (Pat, both deceased) Young, and three older sisters, Deann (Leon) Deimeke, Roslyn (Laurie) Smith, and Celeste (Rex) Clingan. Hal was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings as well as with his nieces and nephews. Although he experienced rivalries that are typical of a family, he shared many life experiences with them over the years.

As a young boy, Hal had a number of interests. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. In his spare time Hal liked collecting bugs and going fishing. However, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Hal had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He was on the water polo and swimming teams, being one of the first group of students to use the new aquatic facility near the high school. He graduated from Berkeley Senior High School in 1975. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers, but his favorite class was biology.

Hal enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Hal was able to manage the balancing act. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from University of Missouri--Columbia in 1980.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Hal enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Mark and Paul (deceased) Breite. Later in life, he remained friends with the Breite family that included Mark, John, and their mother, Dorothy and their extended family.

Fortunately, Hal enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Hal worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. After a short stint in the Navy and being stationed in Guam, he returned to St Louis and began what would become his life-long occupation in pest and termite control. He was self-employed for Orion Pest Control. Hal had great interpersonal skills and cultivated lasting relations with his customers, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Hal enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gardening, foraging for wild mushrooms when in season, and going fishing. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Hal was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were Cardinals baseball and college basketball.

Hal enjoyed traveling to various locations for fishing. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, and to visit new places. Hawaii and Guam were favorite places where he had lived.

Hal passed away on July 28, 2020 at home. Hal was diagnosed last November with inoperable brain aneurysm but decided to live his life to the fullest. Final location for burial are pending.

Simply stated, Hal was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone with a great sense of humor who was a vital part of their lives. Hal leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Hal Young.

A Go Fund Me account has been established at Heaven's Gateway. Simply click on the link below.

Friends may gather to share stories and memories from 1-4 p.m. at Alexander White Mullen Funeral Home in St. Ann on Saturday, August 8, 2020. With current social distancing guidelines from St. Louis County due to COVID, a maximum of 75 people is permitted in the funeral home. No food or beverages is allowed. We are sorry for this inconvenience.