He was born on December 19, 1946, in Springfield, the son of Ralph A. and Ruth L. (Carter) Young. James married Linda K. Holland on January 17, 1970, in Springfield.
James proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He went on to work for Springfield Mass Transit District as a driver and trainer for over twenty years, retiring in the early 2000s. James was a member of the American Legion, and a former member of the Eagles Club. He was an avid golfer who proudly had a hole in one at the Oaks Golf Club. James loved to fix things around the house. He was a loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle, brother, and son.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles and George Young; sister, Patricia McLean; and grandchild, Ryker Young.
James is survived by his wife, Linda Young of Springfield; son, James “Jimmy” M. (Angie) Young of Chestnut, IL; daughter, Amy L. (fiancé, Charlie Fornoff) Young of Springfield; grandchildren, James Cheek, Brayden Young, Kye Shoopman, Ava Workman, Remi Woodburn, and Beckett Young; brother, Leroy Young of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center, prior to services.
Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, followed by a prayer service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with military honors provided.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.
