Jim Young

ElRay James "Jim" Young completed his mission in mortality with honor on March 21, 2023, after battling congestive heart failure for many years. He was 82.

Jim was born November 13, 1940, in Kanab, Utah, the oldest of five children in the family of Clifton and Charlotte Heaton Young. After graduating from Kanab High School in 1959, he attended Church College of Hawaii (now Brigham Young University-Hawaii) for one year before serving in Hong Kong in the Southern Far East Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1961 to 1963. He became fluent in Cantonese, and learned how to use chopsticks like a pro.

Jim attended BYU in Provo, Utah, after his mission, graduating in 1966 with a degree in sociology. It was at BYU that a friend from North Carolina introduced him to his sister, Faye Harper, and the rest is history. Jim and Faye were married September 5, 1964, in the St. George LDS Temple. Seven children— four girls and three boys— made their family complete. Over the years, they lived in Provo; Raymond, Alberta, Canada; Pocatello, Idaho; Albertson, N.C.; and Kanab before finally settling down for good in Richfield.

Jim retired as a social worker with the State of Utah in 2009. Though he held various jobs over the years in support of his family, social work was Jim's true professional calling. He had the gift of a great listener, and this made him especially suited for that field.

After retirement, Jim and Faye served a mission in the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors Center. They later served an additional mission at home in Richfield. Gospel study and church service were hallmarks of Jim's life. He served in countless callings over the years, including Bishop, Stake High Councilor, and Temple worker in the Manti LDS Temple. His work ethic in the church extended to other aspects of his life. He kept his home and yard neat and tidy, and grew a large vegetable garden every year. He never liked to be idle (one of his best-known Dad phrases was "turn off that dang TV and do something!"), but he also understood that there's a time to have fun. He enjoyed playing and watching sports and hiking in the great outdoors.

Jim didn't like a fuss and would probably tell you that this tribute has already gone on long enough. Suffice it to say, though, that he has taught us much in word and example, and it's hard to imagine a world without him. A favorite hymn of his begins, "Have I done any good in the world today?" Yes, Dad. You certainly have.

Jim leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Faye, Richfield; six of seven children: RaeLene (Frank) Terry, Herriman; Melanie Brower, Rexburg, Idaho; Kristilee (Brett) Groves, Cedar City; Evalissa Young, Martinez, Ga.; Bradley (Lisa) Young, Spartanburg, S.C.; and Jeremy (Heather) Young, Hampton, Va.; 16 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren with another on the way. He is also survived by siblings Joyce (Larry) Rhodes, Kanab; DeLoy (Ranny) Young, Provo; and Susana (Dave) Baird, Kanab.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Barry; and a brother, Royce (Sylvia) Young.

Funeral services will be Monday, March 27, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. in the Richfield LDS Stake Center, 159 North 400 West in Richfield. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M or at the Stake Center Monday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 prior to the services.

Graveside services and burial will take place Tuesday, March 28 at 11:30 A.M. in the Kanab City Cemetery, under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.

FUNERAL SERVICES LIVESTREAM