James R. Young “Jim” died at home on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at the age of 83. A lifelong resident of Chickamauga, Jim was a well-respected member of the community, known and admired by his family and his many lifelong friends for his sharp wit and keen sense of humor.
The son of Jennie and Doc Young, Jim went to Rossville High School where he played football. He continued his football career in the army after high school, joining the 82nd Airborne Division. Jim completed 34 jumps as a paratrooper in the army, becoming so used to jumping out of airplanes in mid-flight that he hated plane landings for the rest of his life.
While in the army, Jim had the good fortune of meeting Peggy Roberts, the love of his life. Though they had lived just miles from each other their entire lives, Jim and Peggy never met until one evening at a Catholic social gathering, a stroke of sheer luck or divine intervention, since neither was Catholic.
Jim and Peggy were married for 62 years. Together, they raised three remarkable daughters: Hope (Tommy) Sisson, Linda (David) Lewis, and Jenny (David) Noblit. Jim’s legacy of fiercely held opinions, tenacious loyalty and quick laughter continues through his extraordinary children.
Jim was the district manager of North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation from 1969 to 1996, retiring after 39 years of service to the company. In retirement, Jim reveled in his growing family of charismatic grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A music lover, he and Peggy also had a standing Wednesday night date at Las Margaritas in North Chattanooga, where they enjoyed the music of their favorite band and entertained a steady stream of adored friends of all ages and backgrounds from their VIP booth in the corner.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, as well as by siblings Harvey Young, Edward Young, Aileen Holdiness and Mackie Tarvin
He is survived by his wife; daughters; beloved honorary son, Mike Frost; grandchildren, Traci (Keith) Reece, Kit (Heather) Napier, Lindsey (Doug) Dodson; great-grandchildren, Peyton Reece and Chapman Napier; sister, Barbara Brown; sister-in-law, Anne Young; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family.
Memorial Services will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at Heritage Funeral Home, with Rev. Jennifer Andone officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Jim’s honor to Elizabeth Lee United Methodist Church in thanks and recognition of the tremendous support the church community has offered to Jim and Peggy over many years. The church is located at 139 Cove Road, Chickamauga, GA 30707. The family also extends its sincere thanks to Jim’s many friends who have been so supportive and generous in their time and love.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Heritage Funeral Home, and from 4-5 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service.
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.