James Buck Hoy Young, 88, was born on November 12, 1932 in Honolulu, Hawai’i, the second of six children. After graduating from St. Louis High School in 1951, he completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at St. Louis University in 1958.
While a resident physician at Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St. Louis, MO, he met Joretta Ignacio, a nursing student from St. Francis Nursing School. James and Joretta were married in Hilo, Hawai’i in 1959 and returned to St. Louis to complete his residency.
In 1963, the Young family returned to Honolulu where James opened his private practice in urology. Four years later, he was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War, and the family moved to Pennsylvania. There, James served as an army physician at Valley Forge General Hospital until 1969 when he was honorably discharged as a lieutenant colonel.
With his military service over, the family relocated back to Honolulu and James continued building his urology practice. For over 40 years, he cared for his patients and frequently performed procedures and surgeries, primarily at The Queen’s Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital. Among his many professional accomplishments, James was a guest instructor at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawai’i, and named "Ke Kauka Po'okela,'' Outstanding Physician for 1999, by the medical staff and employees at Queen’s. Whether treating patients or collaborating with colleagues, James earned a reputation as a caring, compassionate, knowledgeable physician, as well as a skillful surgeon.
Driven by his faith and commitment to community, James volunteered his professional services to other health organizations including Shriners Hospital and Waimano Home. He participated in medical missions to Asia with the Aloha Medical Mission organization, providing medical care and instruction to areas with limited specialty care. He was also a lector for the Sunday morning services at the St. Francis Hospital chapel.
Despite the commitment and hours involved with James’ successful career, he always made time for his greatest roles…as a husband and a father to four children. Whether it was help on a homework project, construction of an elaborate Halloween costume, or attendance at a performance or soccer match, he found the time to participate. There was not a long drive or a laborious chore that did not include his creative parenting to entertain and engage his kids. In his later years, James transitioned seamlessly from Dad to Papa, now entertaining his grandkids with the same combination of creativity and silliness. He was always there to listen or lend some perspective to his children and grandchildren. From medical maladies to running toilets, he could be counted on for a sympathetic ear and sound advice.
When retirement came in 2003, he and Joretta relocated to the Big Island and moved to their home on the slopes of Hualalai overlooking Kailua-Kona. This home and ohana served as home base for many Young family gatherings and a place for grandkids to visit Tutu and Papa. The slower pace and relaxed style of West Hawai’i also allowed for more time to build valuable friendships, work on various home projects, travel, and indulge James’ passion for golf. Faith and community remained an important part of life in Kona, keeping James active in his parish as a lector for Masses at Immaculate Conception Church and as a Eucharistic Minister delivering communion to patients at local hospitals. He also volunteered at Holualoa Elementary School as a reading tutor and served on the board of Family Support Hawai’i, a local charity organization.
James recently moved with Joretta to Carlsbad, California to be closer to family. He passed away on April 2, 2021 at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla surrounded by loved ones. His passing leaves a huge hole in the lives of his family and friends. James’ knowledge, compassion, and sense of humor were a constant comfort to those around him. He has moved on to a peaceful and eternal place and his spirit lives on in the hearts and memories of his loved ones.
James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joretta, children, Bernadette (Joseph) Delaney, Margaret (James) McNamara, Mary (David) Bidinger, and Christopher (Linda) Young; grandchildren, Daniel (Kasey) and Joseph McNamara, Michael Delaney, Jonathan and Emily Bidinger, and Maile and Nicholas Young; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Siu Kau Young and Yim King Young, as well as sister Loretta Young. He was recently reunited in spirit with his sister Verna Young, and is survived by his siblings Richard Young, Patsy Choy, and Vera Kina.
A Funeral Mass celebrating James’ life will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Kailua-Kona on July 20, 2021 at 10:00 am. An Interment Service will be held in Honolulu on July 23, 2021 at Diamond Head Memorial Park at 10:30 am. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the following organizations.
St. Michael the Archangel Parish Building Fund https://www.konacatholicchurch.net/donate-to-debt-reduction-fund
Shriners Hospitals for Children — Honolulu https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/honolulu
American Heart Association – Hawai’i Chapter https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/hawaii/welcome-to-hawaii
https://www.konacatholicchurch.net/donate-to-debt-reduction-fund
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