James Edward Young

Remembering Jim Young

James (Jim) Edward Young, age 88, a lifetime resident of Long Beach, died February 23, 2018, at his home surrounded by loved ones, following a brief hospitalization.

Jim was born October 15, 1929, the second of three children, to John Franklin Young and Elizabeth Heckman Young. Jim was a kind, giving, hardworking, talented craftsperson who took great pride in everything he did. He and his younger brother John were baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Beach on March 22, 1932. He was confirmed at Trinity in 1942, attended church-sponsored Boy Scouts, Luther League, and maintained his membership at Trinity throughout ensuing years.

Jim was a graduate of Long Beach Polytechnic High School in 1947. He and other young men formed a group known as “The Bachelors,” whose “opportunities” included welcoming new teachers to Long Beach. Later, as several married, the group evolved to become "The Benedict's,” celebrating its 50th anniversary a few years ago and encouraging lifelong friendships, which Jim enjoyed until his death. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army and served at home and abroad as a member of a tank battalion during the Korean conflict (1950-1953). He had achieved Sergeant First Class at the time of his discharge. His interest in automobiles surfaced at an early age and continued throughout his life. He often talked of exactly which car he purchased, exactly when, when he got rid of it, and why. Jim’s interest in autos was complemented by an interest in boating. He purchased, maintained, and enjoyed a 40-foot sport fisher for many years.

Jim worked for his father and at other small jobs while completing the studies required to obtain a B.S. Marketing degree from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in 1958. He joined North American Aviation (Rockwell), and served in Contract Administration, retiring after 30 years of service with the firm. While at North American Aviation (Rockwell), Jim met and married Barbara LaVaughn Hash in 1963. Barbara had a 6 year old son, Gregory. Jim took on the roll as father, adopting Greg and bringing him into the Young family. Jim and Barbara enjoyed many happy years and traveled extensively—Japan, China, eastern Europe, western Europe, and the United Kingdom, to name just a few of the areas visited. Barbara preceded Jim in death in 1997 of cancer.

Jim was a great father figure to Greg, who also graduated from CSULB (second generation). Greg learned at a young age, when told several times to stop talking, you stop or the Duct Tape will be applied, it was applied once (he was a fast learner). Greg remembers his Dad to be a schedule keeper, get your chores done before making a commitment or leaving for one. Also, put your tools back where you found them and keep your work area clean at all times. In short, he was a great role model. Greg assisted his father significantly in the management and maintenance of an apartment complex in east Long Beach, which Jim took great pride in. His presence will be deeply missed around the complex. Jim (aka: Papa) had three granddaughters of whom he was very proud of: Ashley (another CSULB grad-third generation), Alyson and Annika. Their memories of Papa include, Papa taking them to feed the ducks at El Dorado Park, creating turkey hands on grandparents day and making funny comments because his hands were so big, visits to Burger King after he would pick them up from school, taking them to piano lessons and olives being thrown in the pool when they were swimming. And, whenever leaving their Papa's house, they would count to three and yell out, "We love you Papa". He was a great Papa!

After meeting his friend and companion Marilyn Bohl at Trinity in the 2003 time frame, Jim renewed his acquaintance with CSULB and his interest in sports. Jim and Marilyn shared many CSULB basketball, baseball, and volleyball adventures, as well as trips to the NCAA Final Four, regional basketball and baseball tournaments, his granddaughters’ cheer competition, basketball and volleyball games and family gatherings locally and elsewhere.   He was respected in the local boating community, a member of the Single Sailor's Yacht Club for many years, a member of the Hollywood Yacht Club, a Long Beach Aquarium Charter Member, a season ticket holder of the Long Beach Symphony and Music Theatre West, and active at Trinity as a member of council, on committees, doing service projects, at worship, and at fellowship. In referring to Jim, a universal comment of those who knew him is: “Jim was a good man.”

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara, and his sister Margaret Conover. He is survived by his son Greg (Kathy) and three granddaughters Ashley, Aly & Annika, his brother John, niece Cheryl (Dennis) Hegg, nephew Curt Young, nephew Tod Conover and partner Jeri Pauloski, niece Ann (Conover) Berg, great nephews Austin Hegg, Taylor Young, Terry and Kevin Berg, and great niece Rebecca Conover, and many extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life for James E. Young will be held Saturday, March 24, at 11:00 a.m. at Jim’s “downtown spiritual home”: Trinity Lutheran Church, 759 Linden Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813. A time of fellowship will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America at: alzfdn.org in memory of James E. Young.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401