James A. Young

James A. Young, 85, of Otterville, passed away Monday, November 16, 2020, at his daughter’s home in Boonville.

Born August 23, 1935, in Otterville, he was the youngest of two sons of Lester Lee and Mildred Elizabeth (Glenn) Young.

Jim was a 1953 graduate of Otterville School.

On October 12, 1957, in Kansas City, he was united in marriage to Martha Lu (Nelson). This union was blessed with three children. He and Martha Lu enjoyed 59 years together until she passed away on January 9, 2017.

Jim worked 37 years as a signalman for the Missouri Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads, retiring at the age of 62.

He was a longtime member of the Otterville Presbyterian Church, where he had been an Elder and Deacon.

Jim was past president of the Otterville Fair Board, longtime board member of record keeper of the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, past Otterville Fire Department board member, past member of the I.O.O.F., and active member and past president of the Otterville Senior Center.

He coached summer league baseball for several years and ran the scoreboard for Otterville basketball games for over thirty years.

His hobbies included fishing, golfing, bowling and traveling. He was a big Jeff Gordon and NASCAR fan and went to several races around the country. He also enjoyed his time spent at the Senior Center playing pool and cards.

Jim will be remembered for his quick wit and generosity. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include three children: Rob Young (Lisa), of Sedalia, David Young (Karen), of Warrensburg, and Aletha Odneal (Danny Green), of Boonville; twelve grandchildren: Candy, Brian, Dusty, Jillian, Rachel, Lacie, Michael, Amie, Travis, Mallory, Christopher and Brooke; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents; a brother, Glen Lee “Red” Young; and his companion, Elsie Simmons.

Friends may pay their respects and sign the guest book after 8:30 a.m. Friday at Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2020, at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2020, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Pastors Randy and Dianna Marcum, and Jeff Page officiating. The funeral will be livestreamed on Heckart Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

Burial will be in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Otterville.

Face masks are required at the visitation and service.

Casket bearers will be Dusty Young, Mike Young, Tyler Arnold, Jalal Nabiyev, Jeff Clancy and Brian Randall.

Honorary bearers will be Chris Odneal, Travis Arnold, Jim Gochenour, Jeff Lamb, and his Senior Center friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Otterville Senior Center or Otterville Presbyterian Church.