James Edward Young Sr.

James Edward Young Sr., 92, of Chestang, AL, passed away on June 20, 2022, in Tampa, FL. James was born on November 10, 1929, in Chestang, AL, to Albert Young and Nena Turner. He was a 1947 graduate of Dunbar High School, in Mobile, AL, and in 1948 he joined the Air Force. Six years later he married Eunice Conchita Boea on February 7, 1953, in Pascagoula, MS. James made his career in the Air Force where he served for 29 1/2 years. In those years, he worked as a drill sergeant instructor, an Aerospace Warning Systems operator, and was a supervisor of one of many “Talking Bird” AFC/AFCs C-130 crews. He was a highly decorated Chief Master Sergeant receiving the following honors: two Airforce Commendation Medals, the Airforce Outstanding Unit Award, three Air Force Good Conduct Medals, five US Army Air Forces Good Conduct awards, the US Army of Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, two Air Force Longevity Service awards, the USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. James was active in his community; he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and The Lions Club. While in the military, he played softball and coached a championship volleyball team. He was an avid golfer, earning several golf trophies for his efforts. When James retired from the Air Force, he joined the MacDill Federal credit Union as the loan manager and later became the Branch Manager. He entered full retirement in 1993 and donated his time and expertise to teaching computer classes to senior citizens at the University of South Florida.

James is preceded in death by his brothers Johnnie Young and Nathaniel Young, and his first-born son Joseph.

James is survived by his wife of 69 years, Eunice C. Young; his children, Nena Gray, Patricia A. Young Summers, James E. Young Jr., Deidre M. Bentley and Kenneth R. Bentley, Brian C. Young, and Dr. Sheila J. Harris, DMA; his brothers Raymond Young and Gayfers Young, and his sister Bernice Jones; his 13 grandchildren and his 13 great-grandchildren.

The family of James wishes to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Margaret Theodore, and Lifepath Hospice nurses and chaplain.

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14