James Gordon Young

James Gordon Young, 98, of Somerset, Ohio, joined his life partner, Gwen, on Friday, June 8, 2018. Jim was born May 11, 1920 in Somerset, Ohio to the late George Gordon and Ida L. (Sterner) Young. After graduation from Holy Trinity High School, Jim proudly served in the US Army Air Corps 1940-1946. While stationed at Goodfellow Air Base in San Angelo TX, he met and married the late Gwendolyn A. (Irwin) Young. Following his military service, Jim returned to Somerset to live, work, and eventually operate the multi-generational family dairy farm. During his life he was active in the community and beyond; served on Village Council and as Mayor of Somerset, a member and past commander of the Leo Ryan American Legion Post 58, and as auxiliary state patrol. Jim spent 21 years on the SWCD Board and was also appointed to the Rushcreek Watershed Board for 20 years during which time he received several Hall of Fame recognition awards for Conservation. After retirement, and at the age of 80, Jim and Gwen continued their active life and became full-time RVer’s for 12 years, volunteering in state parks across the western US. Both Texas and New Mexico recognized the couple as “Outstanding State Park Volunteers” for the number of hours of service they donated. Jim is survived by his children, Dennis (Suzan) Young, Idelle Sagan and Kevin Young; five grandchildren, Stephanie Young-Kranick, Lee Young, Shannon Young-Blackburn, Heather Sagan-Cecil, Kristen Sagan; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Gwen Young; his parents, Gordon and Ida Young; his brother and sister-in-law, John and Peg Young; daughter-in-law, Teena (Ayers) Young; and son-in-law, George Sagan. Friends may call from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, June 24, 2018 at the Somerset United Methodist Church, 139 E. Main St., Somerset, Ohio where services will be held at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Karen Walters officiating. Military honors will be provided by Somerset American Legion Leo Ryan Post 58. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jim to Perry County Veterans, 121 W. Brown St., Suite D, New Lexington, OH 43764; or to American Legion Leo Ryan Post 58, P.O. Box 552, Somerset, OH 43783. Bope-Thomas Funeral Home in Somerset is entrusted with the arrangements. www.bopethomasfuneralhome.com

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