James M. Young

James M. “Jim” Young, 78, of Jackson, passed away Friday, April 28, 2023, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born April 25, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Marion R. and June A. Fleishner Young.  He and Wanda Fluegge were married in 1990, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, also the church of their current membership.

Jim was a 1963 graduate of Plum High School in Allegheny County.  There, he learned an appreciation of music and excelled as a saxophonist in the band program.  He received a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and earned his professional engineering license.  He worked as a mechanical engineer for Procter and Gamble.

Jim was a longtime member and former president of the Evening Optimist Club in Jackson.  He also served as the East Missouri District Lieutenant Governor and enjoyed volunteering for Optimist Night at Bingo World in Cape Girardeau. 

Jim’s other accomplishments include earning his pilot’s license and his real estate and broker’s license.  He especially enjoyed playing the autoharp, and was accomplished in wood working, even making his own autoharp.

Loving survivors include his wife of 32 years, Wanda Young of Jackson; three children, Jeff (Jennifer) Young of Plain City, Ohio; Raina (Soteros) Manniaty of Blanchester, Ohio; and Jaime Young (Joshua Freeman) of Sikeston; five grandchildren, Ryan, Sarah, Grace, Annie, Kyra, and a sixth grandchild expected soon; two sisters, Sally (Tom) Secrist and Sandy Bell, both of Pennsylvania; his mother-in-law, Betty (the late Charles) Fluegge of Cape Girardeau; Wanda's siblings, Karen (Jim) Horrell of Jackson; and Chuck Fluegge (April Hanback) of Marble Hill, Missouri; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 4, 2023, and from 9:30 a.m. to service time,  Friday, May 5, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The Rev. Joshua Schmidt will conduct the funeral service at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 5, at the funeral home.  Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Serving as pallbearers are Chuck Fluegge, Allen Clark, Jim Horrell, Terry Best, Jeremy Horrell, and Josh Horrell.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Cape Girardeau County History Center or St. Paul Radio Broadcast.

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