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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING JIM YOUNG
______
HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I submit these remarks in honor of James
Marion Young of Salem, Virginia, who passed away on June 12, 2020 at
the age of 89. Jim devoted his time and attention to serving the people
of his hometown through an impressive array of community and
philanthropic organizations.
Jim was born on November 15, 1930. He was educated at Andrew Lewis
High School in Salem, where he lettered in football and baseball, and
at the University of Virginia, where he earned undergraduate and law
degrees. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and remained
in the Army Reserves for 22 years, eventually attaining the rank of
lieutenant colonel.
Jim's profession was the law. He practiced for years in Roanoke at
Dodson Pence Viar Young & Woodrum as a partner and then in Salem on his
own. But he was also occupied with making Salem a better place and
improving the lives of its citizens. Among the organizations he led
were the Salem Jaycees, Salem Kiwanis, Salem-Roanoke County Bar
Association, Salem High School PTA, Roanoke County Council of PTAs,
Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce, and Roanoke Valley Economic
Development Partnership. He chaired the Salem Electoral Board for 15
years and served on the Roanoke College Planned Giving Board. At his
church, Salem Presbyterian, to which he belonged for more than 70
years, he served as deacon, elder, trustee, and Sunday School teacher.
The Boy Scouts of America had a special place in his heart. He took
pride in the achievement of Eagle Scout rank by two of his grandsons.
The organization benefited from his volunteerism over a span of more
than fifty years. He was president of the Blue Ridge Mountains Council
and provided it with his services as an attorney for free.
Many organizations and causes in Salem and the greater Roanoke region
were served well by Jim, and they honored him in return. He was
recognized by the Jaycees with the Distinguished Service Award, by the
Boy Scouts with the Silver Beaver Award, and the Economic Development
Partnership by being named Citizen of the Year. He was also inducted
into the Salem High Alumni Hall of Fame.
Beside his many charitable pursuits, Jim enjoyed playing tennis and
proved his skill on the court as a three-year Virginia United States
Tennis Association doubles champion in the 75- to 80-year-old division
and a two-year champion in the 80-plus age group.
I had the opportunity to know Jim personally, including from our
mutual service on the board of the Blue Ridge Mountains Council. He
invested a lot of time in his own daughters and the children of the
community.
Jim's family was important to him. He was predeceased by one of his
daughters, Cathy Harman. He is survived by his wife of 63 years,
Barbara, his daughters Debbie Harris, Becky Garrison, and Cindy
Courtright and their husbands as well as Cathy's husband, and eight
grandchildren. I offer my condolences to them on their loss. Many in
the Roanoke Valley had their lives improved by Jim's tireless and
selfless service.
____________________
