ElRay James “Jim” Young completed his mission in mortality with honor March 21, 2023, after battling congestive heart failure for many years. He was 82.
Jim was born Nov. 13, 1940, in Kanab, 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, 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 Sept. 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, North Carolina.; 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, Georgia; Bradley (Lisa) Young, Spartanburg, South Carolina; and Jeremy (Heather) Young, Hampton, Virginia; 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 for Jim took place March 27 in the Richfield 7th ward chapel, under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Home, with Bishop Mark F. Stewart conducting.
A family prayer was shared by Jeremy Young (son) and the invocation was given by Kris Groves (daughter).
Prelude/Postlude music was offered by Matt Creamer.
Musical selections included a men’s choir that gave “O Home Beloved” accompanied by Joyce Rhodes (sister) and conducted by Susana Baird (sister). Other selections were congregational hymns of “Each Life that Touches Ours For Good” and “Have I Done Any Good In The World Today” with Matt Creamer accompanying and RaeLene Terry (daughter) as chorister.
The obituary was read by Evalissa Young (daughter). The eulogy was given by RaeLene Terry (daughter). Bradley Young (son) spoke about his father.
Closing remarks were provided by Bishop Stewart and the benediction was offered by Melanie Brower (daughter).
Interment was in the Kanab City Cemetery March 28.
Pallbearers included Bradley Young, Tony Young, Jeremy Young, Kaiden Allen, Drake Young, James Young, Jade Etchart and Henry Young.
Honorary pallbearers included Frank Terry, Logan Allen, Brett Groves, Liam Allen, Justin Allen, Josh Young, Karson Allen and Porter Young.
The dedicatory prayer was provided by Brett Groves (son-in-law).
Compassionate services were provided by the Richfield LDS 7th ward Relief Society.
Online guest book at springerturner.com
