James Harold Young, Jr., affectionately known as "Rocky," passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025. Born March 24, 1952, James grew up in Washington, D.C., mostly on Ascot Place in the Edgewood neighborhood. He and his sister, Debbie, were raised by their mother, Anne, grandmother, Mary, and a host of aunts and uncles. He attended Noyes Elementary, Langley Junior High and McKinley High.
James enlisted in the Marines as a young man, and served at Andrew's Airforce Base as an aircraft and engine mechanic, as well as a field and service mechanic from 1969 to 1975. During his service, he and his girlfriend, Rosalind Brown, became parents to his only child, Angela. After he was honorably discharged, James worked several jobs and struggled for years to adjust to life outside of the military.
After a short marriage to his childhood sweetheart, JoAnn Bland, he faced and overcame the challenges of substance use disorder, and lived the last twenty years of his life in sobriety—years met with humility, reflection and hard-earned wisdom. He participated in outreach programs where he gave inspirational talks at schools and community centers through Samaritan Inns. While living in D.C, James attended Metropolitan AME church, and shared quality time and meals with his extended family. He also enjoyed spending time with his veteran friends at the VA hospital whenever he could.
After moving to Alexandria, VA, James found work as a taxi cab dispatcher, where he met Capricia Jones, who has been his loving, supportive partner for 18 years. He also held several other jobs, including working for FedEx and Michael and Sons before retiring.
Rocky will be fondly remembered as that happy-go-lucky uncle, cousin, father, brother, friend you could count on to have corny (and sometimes raunchy) jokes to tell. He always tried to make you laugh and find the positive side of most situations. He was an enthusiastic Commanders (Redskins) fan through all their wins and losses. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
James joins his father, James "Sonny" Young, and mother, Anne Chappelle Gibson. He is survived by his beloved partner, Capricia Jones; his daughter, Angela Maisha Young of Waldorf, Maryland; his sister Nzinga (Debbie) Sekayi of Charlotte, N.C; his aunt Barbara Gaston of Laurel, Md; his aunt Gloria Young of Silver Spring, MD; his uncle Donald (Billy) Lucas of Camp Springs, MD; nieces Donna Fleming, Shani Fleming; nephew Barry Fleming; five great nieces and nephews: Anari, Courtney, BJ, Marley and Jackson; lifelong friend Rosalind Brown; as well as a host of cousins and other relatives and friends.
Arrangements are in the care of Boston-St. Fort Funeral & Cremation Service, 5801 Cleveland Avenue, Riverdale Park, MD, 20737; (240) 667-2520. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Samaritan Inns. Online condolences may be shared at Legacy.com. A memorial service will be held later in the spring.
James enlisted in the Marines as a young man, and served at Andrew's Airforce Base as an aircraft and engine mechanic, as well as a field and service mechanic from 1969 to 1975. During his service, he and his girlfriend, Rosalind Brown, became parents to his only child, Angela. After he was honorably discharged, James worked several jobs and struggled for years to adjust to life outside of the military.
After a short marriage to his childhood sweetheart, JoAnn Bland, he faced and overcame the challenges of substance use disorder, and lived the last twenty years of his life in sobriety—years met with humility, reflection and hard-earned wisdom. He participated in outreach programs where he gave inspirational talks at schools and community centers through Samaritan Inns. While living in D.C, James attended Metropolitan AME church, and shared quality time and meals with his extended family. He also enjoyed spending time with his veteran friends at the VA hospital whenever he could.
After moving to Alexandria, VA, James found work as a taxi cab dispatcher, where he met Capricia Jones, who has been his loving, supportive partner for 18 years. He also held several other jobs, including working for FedEx and Michael and Sons before retiring.
Rocky will be fondly remembered as that happy-go-lucky uncle, cousin, father, brother, friend you could count on to have corny (and sometimes raunchy) jokes to tell. He always tried to make you laugh and find the positive side of most situations. He was an enthusiastic Commanders (Redskins) fan through all their wins and losses. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
James joins his father, James "Sonny" Young, and mother, Anne Chappelle Gibson. He is survived by his beloved partner, Capricia Jones; his daughter, Angela Maisha Young of Waldorf, Maryland; his sister Nzinga (Debbie) Sekayi of Charlotte, N.C; his aunt Barbara Gaston of Laurel, Md; his aunt Gloria Young of Silver Spring, MD; his uncle Donald (Billy) Lucas of Camp Springs, MD; nieces Donna Fleming, Shani Fleming; nephew Barry Fleming; five great nieces and nephews: Anari, Courtney, BJ, Marley and Jackson; lifelong friend Rosalind Brown; as well as a host of cousins and other relatives and friends.
Arrangements are in the care of Boston-St. Fort Funeral & Cremation Service, 5801 Cleveland Avenue, Riverdale Park, MD, 20737; (240) 667-2520. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Samaritan Inns. Online condolences may be shared at Legacy.com. A memorial service will be held later in the spring.
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