James Ernest Yonge Jr.

James Ernest Yonge, Jr. was born on March 17, 1960 to parents James and Esther Yonge. Jimmy grew up in Orange Park and lived in Jacksonville as an adult. On November 18th, at age 61, Jimmy lost his unremitting battle with drug addiction.

He was a devoted Christian with a heart of gold. His jovial, reverberant laugh and positivity were infectious.

Jimmy was extremely creative and had a gift working with his hands. One of his proudest creations was building a classic wooden boat on which he cruised the St. Johns River. He also restored a chevy truck to mint condition, built a container garden with his mother, remodeled homes with his sister Karen, and enjoyed being known as Big Jim’s painting - out painting the world. His determination to figure out any project exemplified his resilience and determination.

Jimmy loved sports. He was a loyal fan of the Gators and Kansas City Chiefs, and an athlete himself. He was passionate for swimming, sailing, water skiing, snow skiing, football and unicycling, to name a few.

Jimmy was predeceased by his loving sister, Karen Yonge Carr; father, James Ernest Yonge, Sr.; stepfather, William Halligan; Uncle Phil Yonge; and cousins, Bobby and Lane Yonge.

Jimmy is survived by his mother, Esther Halligan; stepmother, Vanda Yonge; siblings, Margi Baker, Beth Strauss (Mike), John Yonge (Angela), and Briton Yonge; brother-in-law, Pat Carr (Katharine); cousin, Tommy Yonge (Melanie); nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Lovelace (Trey), Katie Carr, Katherine and Jane Strauss, and Wyatt Yonge; and many relatives from his parents’ blended families.

Jimmy has left us far too soon. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Gateway in Jimmy’s honor. Gateway helped Jimmy many times, but, unfortunately, addiction is a ruthless disease.

www.gatewaycommunity.com/contact/donate, Gateway, attn: Development, 555 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 3rd at 11am at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida. 32207.