Merrill James (Jim) Young

Merrill James “Jim” Young passed away on Wednesday, the 18th day of September, 2019, at the age of 87 from natural causes. In July 2019 he had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer and had been undergoing treatment. Born on the 3rd day of January 1932, in St. Anthony, Idaho, he was the son of James Curtis Young and Rosemund Irene Hall Young.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Mary Elizabeth Petersen Young of Houston; children Carol Ann Young, Michael James Young (Jennie), John Bradley Young (Laura), and Lisa Marie Schrader (Brett); and 5 grandchildren Michelle Ann Young, Kaitlyn Ann Young, Megan Marie Young; and Laurel Elizabeth Schrader and Presley Elizabeth Schrader all of Houston; his brothers Vernon Young, Leon Young and sisters Patricia Parker and Irene Olsen and their families.

Jim enlisted in the National Guard at age 17 and after graduating from South Fremont High School, he went to Fort Belvoir in Virginia to receive training first as an electrician and later in engineering. When the Korean War broke out his unit 116th Engineer Combat Battalion Company B was called up to serve. He proudly served in the Korean War and reached the rank of First Lieutenant. Upon returning from service, he enrolled in Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho and later attended the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. Jim was a registered civil engineer working in California, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Texas. He moved to Houston, Texas in 1979 and resided there until his death.

A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim served throughout his life in many church callings. He also enjoyed flying his small plane, hunting, fishing, scuba diving, snow skiing, boating, and golf, winning many local championships. Another pastime was watching old western shows including Lone Ranger and Roy Rogers.

Rest in Peace, Jim. He was a blessed child of God and led a full and beautiful life. He will be missed.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. followed by church service from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 16535 Kleinwood Drive, Spring, Texas 77379. Burial service with military honors will be from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution in his honor may donate to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2427, Tomball, TX or to a charity of their choice.