James E. Youngquist

James Edward Youngquist was born in Austin, TX on March 9, 1930. He passed away on April 10, 2023 at the age of 93. Jimmy was preceded in death by wife of 64 years Jerry Youngquist, daughter Rhonda Youngquist, parents Helen and Bill Youngquist, in-laws Lucille and Milby LaVoice. He is survived by children Roxanne and Steve Martin, Holly and David Youngquist. Grandchildren Abby and Griff Martin, Abby and Jay Lea, Eliza and Hunt Youngquist, and Lucy and Josh Diepenhorst. Great Grandchildren Madyson and Cooper Lea, Blake and Jude Martin, and Jack and Thomas Youngquist.

Jimmy loved his family well. His grandfather name was Dida and it wasn’t long until the entire family and many friends picked up that same moniker for him. He treated in-laws as if they were his own children. He doted on and cared for Jerry in loving ways that are fondly recalled by everyone. He not only provided for his and Jerry’s family, but also his own parents and in-laws. His generosity spilled over to friends, co-workers and complete strangers. Observing how he lived his life one would know that there was something different and special about him.

That difference was a result of his strong and quiet faith. Jimmy grew up attending Decker Methodist Church which was filled with other descendants of Swedish immigrants who had “done” life together for multiple generations. Jimmy and Jerry were long-time members of Hyde Park Baptist Church. He would say that one of the highlights of his Christian life was witnessing what he called the miracle of the birth of Austin Baptist Church. His favorite Bible verse was Romans 8:28 which he paraphrased frequently “All things work together for good”. Verbally Dida was rather quiet about his faith, but if you paid attention to the way he lived his life his faith was broadcast for all to see.

Jimmy did have another love in his life: The Armadillo Ranch. He acquired the ranch in 1970 and quickly retired from his “day job” to become a rancher. He began creating a sanctuary at the ranch for himself and his family; tirelessly working to improve the land. No task was too daunting for him to undertake. Like a sculptor he would chip away at huge tasks and turn the ranch into his masterpiece. He had a group of hunting buddies who compiled a catalogue of funny stories as they spent years together working, hunting and enjoying themselves. The family spent many holidays together at the ranch where we can see Jimmy’s fingerprints everywhere we look.

Jimmy was a huge Longhorns fan, and had hoped to attend UT, unfortunately his parents did not have the means for him to attend. He graduated from Nixon Clay business college where he met Jerry. He began his long career in the building materials supply business at William Cameron. After working there ten years he started the first of several businesses: Buell Supply Company. An arsonist in the vicinity twice burned down the business, but Jimmy persevered and built a successful business with locations in Austin, San Antonio and Houston. At one time he had a cabinet shop called Buell Mill and Manufacturing, a pre-fabricated truss company with locations in Austin and Baton Rouge: TexTruss and LaTrussCo. He treated his employees well, knew everyone’s name and story regardless of whether they worked in the warehouse, drove a truck, built door units or were in an executive position next to his office.

We’re proud of our Dad. He was humble, generous, loving and had a tender heart. We didn’t lose him…we know exactly where he is. He is restored with a healthy body and mind. He is reunited with Jerry, Rhonda and a host of friends who have already gone to heaven. He is redeemed with Jesus. Our hope is that when he got to heaven he didn’t walk through pearly gates, but rather, through pasture gates.

Jimmy’s service will be on April 13, 2023 at 1:00 at Austin Baptist Church, 7016 Ribelin Ranch Drive, 78750. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hyde Park School or Austin Baptist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Youngquist family.