James F. Young

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of our beloved James F. Young (fondly known as Jimbo and Pop) born on 3/28/37. He passed peacefully at home on 11/1/26 surrounded by love. We were lucky to have him for 89 years. Jim was the husband of Joan (Kaufman) Young whom he married on June 18, 1955 in St. Margaret RCC. He was the son of the late George and Pearl (Burnish) Young.

Jim was a graduate of RHS Class of 1955 and Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute- Metallurgy. He began his career at American Chain & Cable Co., Reading PA, serving 9 years as Assistant Plant Metallurgist. After a brief time at CarTech in the research department, he worked for Empire Steel, Temple PA where he served as Quality Assurance Manager and Plant Manager producing nuclear quality valves and pumps. In 1972, he joined the Morie Co., later Unimin Corp., New Canaan, CT serving 25 years in sales as the Technical Marketing Manager and 13 years as Technical Sales Manager. He retired in 2009 after 54 years of total service.

During his career, Jim was a dedicated member of the American Foundry Society (AFS), Des Plaines, Il. where he served as National Director. He received a Service Citation in 1993 and was a recipient of the prestigious Keating Founder's Freedom Award in 2007. He served the Cast Metals Institute, Schaumburg, IL as a Director and Board Chairman. In 1996, Jim served as Conference Host of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the AFS. He was a Past-President of the Reading Foundrymen's Association and Chairman of the Philadelphia Chapter of AFS.

Jim's hobbies included basketball, racquetball, golf, writing, working on his home landscape and woodworking. He spent endless hours watching family members participate in multiple sporting events. For 18 years, Jim served as an Assistant Basketball Coach for St. Margaret and St. Ignatius Loyola School students. One of his fondest memories was growing up in East Reading and going (everyday!) to Pendora Park. He enjoyed traveling, with his work taking him all over the country plus trips to many countries including his favorite, Ireland. Yearly family vacations to Stone Harbor and Avalon, NJ were a highlight where he claimed to be the horseshoe champion.

Three children survive him, James Young (Susan) Palmetto, FL, Jennifer Stout (Michael) Norfolk, VA and Jill Eliff (Neil) Wyomissing, PA. He has 8 cherished grandchildren: Jessica (Chris), Jillian (Colin), Matthew (Jenna), Colleen (Drew), James (Cortney), Brian (Reed), Kyle (Caroline), Dan (Becky), 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his older brother Tom (Joan) and is survived by a brother, David (Kathay).

Jim was so grateful to have had a terrific work life, many, many friends, but most importantly, a fantastic marriage of 71years with Joan creating a remarkable family!

A viewing will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 9-10:30 AM at St. Ignatius Loyola Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM. Entombment will follow at Gethsemane Mausoleum.

Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to St. Ignatius CYO, 2810 St. Alban's Dr., Reading PA 19609 in memory of James F. Young.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc, West Reading is honored to serve the Young family. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.