James Edward Young

James Edward Young

February 15, 1940 – March 29, 2024

James Edward Young, 84, passed away Friday, March 29, 2024, at Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo, Colorado. He was born Thursday, February 15, 1940, in Ozark, Alabama to David Glenn and Anne Lucille (Metcalf) Young. Jimmy’s first job was oldest brother to Johnny and Tommy Young. He worked several jobs through high school then spent three years in the National Guard, eight years in the Army (personnel clerk, sharpshooter, drill sergeant, pilot), and twenty-four years as a Border Patrol Agent. He also taught courses at the Glynco Federal Law Enforcement Academy and served on a brief special Immigration assignment in the Florida Keys.

Jim had a genius I.Q. along with fiery Irish/Scot temper and stubbornness. These traits, plus his longing for adventure, led and aided him through an interesting life. Jim enlisted in the Army infantry rather than the Marines because that ensured a trip to Europe. He acquired the skill of a sharpshooter, enjoyed shooting competitively and earned several Expert awards. He admits he “cheated death multiple times”. Many close calls came as a Huey helicopter pilot in Vietnam. One operation required a nighttime landing guided by radio clicks to retrieve a group of Navy Seals. He was often shot at and shot down. The last hard landing led to a solo ten-day escape through enemy territory. He flew a Korean Colonel over the battle areas for the remainder of his ‘68 tour. James finished his service with a National Defense Service Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Distinguished Unit Citation, 2 Oversea Service Bars, Presidential unit Citation, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

After Vietnam, Jim returned home to wife Jane. In 1969, first daughter, Lisette was born in Ft. Benning, Georgia. Jim joined the Border Patrol, and they made the move to Lordsburg, New Mexico where Elena Anne was born in 1971. Jim enjoyed telling stories about the converted chicken coop then haunted house where they lived. Jim was stationed in Brackettville, Texas from 1974 until 1983 then transferred to Alamogordo, New Mexico where he served until injured for a second time while jumping a train. The Young family made many cherished friends in both Brackettville and Cloudcroft, New Mexico where they resided. Jim moved to Alpine, Arizona in 2004 then Raton, New Mexico in 2016. Jim’s charming curmudgeon personality helped him make friends in both places.

Jim was a survivor of PTSD. He regretted the effects it had on his family and marriages. He and Jane divorced in 1984. In his later years he often said he was married to three wonderful women and took the blame for all three relationships ending. Jim loved beautiful women. He often recalled meeting Sophia Loren while on leave and how she complimented his Southern accent and manners. He almost married a statuesque blonde in Denmark. Of course, his favorite females were his daughters. There are probably several young men who recall his intimidating presence, but also young girls who remember him entertaining them with ghost stories at Lisa and Lena’s slumber parties. He was still charming female security guards and nurses his last day on earth.

Jim’s appreciation for women was matched by his disgust for politicians and bureaucrats. He often called and wrote to congressmen to let them know what they were getting wrong. He also loved his time in coffee shops solving the world’s problems with fellow patriots. Jim had many enjoyable traits and hobbies. He traded countless vehicles and guns. He enjoyed watching TV and movies. He had a fascination with Hollywood celebrities and had even made a short jaunt to LA before joining the army. He was flattered to be mistaken for Dennis Weaver and Kris Kristofferson. He used his sharp memory to recall actor trivia and Shakespearean quotes. He loved his Coca Cola, coffee, reading, traveling, gun shows, the outdoors, dominoes, dancing, shooting pool, storytelling, and even wrote Cowboy poetry. He often over-collected when it came to being a “prepper” and survivalist. He always had a deep affection for dogs and never lacked for their companionship.

Jim loved the Southwest. He was a cowboy and mountain man at heart. He cherished his time hiking, camping, and hunting. He even enjoyed cutting wood. He shared many of these activities with his best friend, Carl Schwandner who lived in both Brackettville and Alpine also. Although he only returned to Ozark to visit his family, he loved them deeply. He frequently told stories about his industrious grandfather (who nicknamed him Buck) and his grandmother. He was very proud of his Aunt Dot. He cherished his mother and immensely respected his father. He remained close with his brothers and sisters-in-law and relished entertaining his nieces and nephews with stories and jokes. He was a proud Papa to Sean and Matthew and beamed at his great grandson Jameson.

Whether he was “James”, “Buck”, “Jimmy”, “Jim”, “Dad” or “Papa”, he will be remembered often, and his stories, advice, and presence will live on. His ashes will be placed in both his beloved Gila Wilderness and the family cemetery in Alabama.

James is survived by first wife, Jane Bard and third wife Jodie Ussery; daughters, Lisette (Joe) Doherty, Elena Anne Young; grandsons, Sean James (Siera) Doherty, Matthew Loren Doherty; great-grandson, Jameson Asher Doherty; brother, John (Sandy) Young; sister-in-law, Brenda Young; nieces, Marianne and Susan; nephews, Brian and Wayne; as well as numerous great nieces and nephews. James is preceded in death by his parents, Anne & Glenn Young, brother, Tom Young; nephew, John David Young; and second wife Christine.

There are no services planned at this time.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.