James Young

James Young

September 12, 1944 - March 3, 2024

LA PINE - James Young of La Pine, Oregon, died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on March 9th, 2024. He was 79. James was born September 12th, 1944 in Hazard, Kentucky, to Richard and Beatrice Young, followed by a younger brother, "Ricky." Jim graduated from Michigan State University in 1966 with a B.S. in chemistry. He met his wife, Kelly Ann Nason, at M.S.U. After graduation, they moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where they raised 3 children. In 1979, Jim launched his first businesses, Tekmax and Entek in Lebanon, Oregon, after patenting his first invention, a battery separator. This lead to more inventions and businesses, eventuating to international-level holdings. From battery separators to hemostatic bandages, as well as his particular concern for his employees, Jim's inventions and actions changed the world. Jim's philanthropic contributions were many, but quietly made. Jim retired in 2007 to enjoy life on his ranch with his family and dogs. Many happy summers were spent there with his wife, kids, and grandkids. He enjoyed hosting deep-sea fishing events on his boat, "The Kelly Ann." He enjoyed watching boxing matches with his friends, fly-fishing on his ranch, woodworking, and puttering about his office where one might find him listening to a radio cast of "The Adventures of Sam Spade." Jim lost his wife in 2016, and brother in 2021. He is survived by 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Although gone in body, Jim's memory and contributions to the world live on.