James Martin Young Jr. of Boaz, Alabama, World War 2 veteran, and loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died on January 16, 2025. James was born on January 24, 1923 to James Martin Young Sr. and Lillie Temple Young in a farm house in Boaz, Alabama. James had seven siblings; Myrtle Miller, William T. Young (Bill), Harold Young, Louise Fielder, Eula Lee Watson, Gertrude Ross, and Gerald Young.
Entering the military at the age of 19 in 1942, James fought for his country during World War 2. James was in the Army Air Corps. His service had him fly in the skies over Italy and parts of Germany, notably partaking in the Rhineland, Po Valley, and Northern Apennines Campaigns. When James’s time with the military came to an end, he had achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
After the war, James attended college at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, which later became Auburn University. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Agricultural Science, James moved to Gaylesville, Alabama, where he became a teacher. His teaching career was short lived, only lasting a single semester. James grew too bored, and he needed excitement. He happened to receive a call asking him if he would like a job flying a crop-dusting airplane in Macon, Georgia. He accepted without hesitation. Shortly after arriving in Macon, he would meet the woman who would become the love of his life, Juliet Nell MacKenzie.
Despite James and Nell disagreeing on the exact date of their marriage, the two spent over 50 loving years together and had three sons; Martin, Arthur, and William. In 1957, James and Nell would start a farm in Walnut Grove, Alabama. The Young family would expand the family farm to Boaz in 1962.
James would spend the later years of his life driving tractors, sitting by the fireplace in the den, and having a few sweet snacks. Be it rain or shine, hot or cold weather, James was always with family and friends. His door was always unlocked and guests were welcome in his home, and they were sure to come. James Martin Young Jr. died surrounded by loved ones sending him off to new skies.
James is preceded in death by his wife, Juliet Nell MacKenzie Young (2005), his son, Martin Young (1993), and his great grandson James Jr. (2017).
James is survived by his sons Arthur Young and William Young, grandchildren Stacy Young, Candice Young, James (Leah) Young and Daniel Young, great grandchildren Kole Reed, Kayla Jo Floyd, Kerrah Basham, Reagan Young, Waylon Young, and Adeline Young.
In lieu of flowers, James Martin Young Jr. and the Young family ask for monetary donations to be made to Walnut Grove Global Methodist Church, P.O. Box 144, Walnut Grove, Alabama 35990.
His funeral service will be Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Boaz Carr Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery in Boaz. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until the time of service. Bro. Donnie Patterson will officiate the service.
Boaz Carr Funeral Home Directing
