James "Jim" Franklin Young

James Franklin Young died unexpectedly in his home in Columbus, Ohio in May 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Evelyn. He leaves behind his daughter Sarah (Derek) Hodges, and son James (Nichole) Young, four grandchildren (Dylan, Sawyer, James, and Rowan), siblings Norma, Larry, and Eva, and former wife of 25 years Mary Jane Callegari.

Jim was born in Ann Arbor, MI on July 19, 1955. Due to a large age gap between him and his siblings, he grew up with his nieces and nephews as playmates. His childhood was spent in both Florida and Pinckney, MI and he graduated from Pinckney High School in 1973. Jim was an excellent athlete and played football and ran track and field, excelling at pole vaulting. He also loved music, played trombone and organ, and later instilled his love of classic rock into his daughter Sarah.

After high school Jim worked in construction, following in his father’s footsteps. He always said you’d be hard-pressed to find a neighborhood in Livingston county that either he or his dad hadn’t built or remodeled a home in. He owned his own building company and built a reputation as an exceptional trim carpenter. Jim attended several colleges over the years and earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University at age 40.

Jim moved to Colorado in 2005 and lived with his former partner of 10 years, Barbara Schmidt, where they enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle that mountain living brought. He enjoyed hunting and target shooting, camping, and riding his ATV or hiking in the mountains. When based in Colorado he did a lot of traveling as a roofing consultant for buildings all over the country. He also earned his Professional Engineering License, which was a great accomplishment. In 2019, he moved back to the Midwest, settling in Ohio, to be closer to his family.

Jim was a wonderful father and actively involved with his children in their youth through coaching soccer, football, and basketball. An avid Michigan State fan, he was pleased both his kids ended up going to college there and was always ready to discuss the latest game (Go Green!). He was unfailingly supportive of his children and grandchildren, and never missed an opportunity to voice his pride in them.

Jim will be remembered as a kind and easy-going guy with a great smile, as well as a wonderful dad, inspiring coach, and faithful friend.

We welcome those who want to remember and celebrate Jim's life to join us Saturday, July 10, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Hosmer-Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 3410 Broad St, Dexter, Michigan 48130.

There will be a graveside memorial at Forest Lawn Cemetery immediately following the visitation period.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' memory may be made to Foundation For Alcoholism Research, https://alcoholismresearch.org/support-volunteer-donate/.