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John Henry Young Jr.
1942 - 2016
John Henry Young Jr.
1942 - 2016
Obituary
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John Young Obituary
John attended Dogan High School in Fairfield, Texas and graduated in 1960. He had a very successful high school career as an all-district basketball player and all-state high jumper. Following high school, he attended Midwestern State University on a four-year athletic scholarship. John graduated in 1966, with a bachelor of science degree in both secondary education and physical education with a minor in history.
John was a member of Midwestern's basketball team. In 1965, his senior year, John led his team to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament and was named an NAIA All-American for scoring over 1,700 points in his college career. John had an opportunity to play professional basketball, but chose to stay at Midwestern and finish his degree.
In 1967, John was drafted into the army. He received basic training at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas and was stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. He received an honorable discharge from the army in 1969.
John began a 40+ year career in Job Corps in 1969 as a recreational specialist. He worked his way through the ranks to become center director at nine centers throughout the U.S. The mission of Job Corps is to help disadvantaged young people, ages 16-24, improve the quality of their lives through vocational and academic training. While working in Job Corps, John's dedication to his job allowed him to touch many lives and save countless others. John Henry Young is a LEGEND in Job Corps.
For his professional accomplishments, John received the Award of Merit from Mayor Koch of New York City and the Arthur F. Beyer Distinguished Alumnus award from Midwestern in 2001, for his significant contributions to society. John was also Midwestern State University's keynote commencement speaker for the 2007 graduating class. In addition to his professional accomplishments, John continued to challenge himself even in retirement by enrolling in a paralegal studies program at Phoenix College. At the time he had to withdraw from his studies due to illness, John maintained an "A" average.
Although John has left us, he will be forever remembered as a loving husband, a loving father, a loving grandfather, a caring friend and a respectful neighbor. Big John will always be forever YOUNG!
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David Ridgell
April 22, 2024
Mr. John Henry Young forever changed my life...... Turner job Corp is were I 1st saw a grown man handle real business and wasn't afraid to show his passion for all the students there in Albany 2000 2002 thank u for pavingthe way for so many of us
Timothy Hale
January 24, 2018
I am Sadden to read this ... I also know that this is not our final destination ... To be absent from the body means to be in the Presence of the Lord... I Met Mr Young At Turner Job Corps Center In Albany Ga. 2001 at 17 years old if I didn't believe in myself at the time.. He Seen something in me that I Didn't see. I think He would be proud the man I did become... I never got a chance to say thank you... So I have to thank your family for blessing me with the honor to have met you... Rest Easy Sir!
Van Fletcher
December 7, 2017
My heart is deeply saddened as I learned the news of my friend my mentor my leader in someone that I had very very high respect for Mr. Young met me in the early 90's at Frenchburg job corps center He used to make the statement only the trained shall inherit the Earth This was ome of the things that help me work hard to become trained in everything that I put my hands too I want to thank God for allowing our paths to cross when they did. If not I don't know where I would be I want to say thank you to Mr. Young's wife and his 2 daughters thank you for lending your father your husband to so many of us on behalf of Frenchburg job corps center and on behalf of Shinck job corps center we love you we love you we love you.
Deborah Outhavong
October 26, 2017
This message is for Jackie. I want to thank you for being a friend to all at North Texas. Job Corps. You were the woman behind the man who enabled constant honor and greatness to thrive for the benefit of young lives so so in need of the strength of John's leadership. We all were made stronger and made to feel appreciated by his recognition. I cannot imagine how moved all my Ethiopian students would be to know their Job Corps father has been lifted into his fathers arms in heaven. They all once asked him "How is your family?" And he answered , "You are my family" . What a world your family turned out to be!!! I too am now a grandparent so I know to be called family is the greatest and holiest honor. I hope and pray that your entire family is feeling all the simple abundance your life models in sharing your family with me in a lifetime of proud beautiful caring memories.
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Kevin Ellis
October 18, 2017
I knew Mr. Young when he was Center Director at Turner Job Corps Center. I was a student there and he was an inspiration for me to work hard to do my best. The world has lost a great man. My deepest condolences to all of his family and friends.
Diane Baynon
February 28, 2017
John was a very special strong minded person who made some very positive changes at Delaware Valley Job Corps. He had high standards for himself and held his students accountable for their actions role modeling the behaviors that will help them to succeed. He was dedicated to making positive changes and he did! He has been an inspiration to many and left behind a legacy.
Shawn Bailey
February 22, 2017
I worked with Mr. Young at Delaware Valley Job Corps in Callicoon, NY. He is one of the people that I have worked with during my 19 years at Job Corps that has inspired me to try and be my absolute best at all times. The world lost a decent and compassionate giant with his passing. Blessings to his family.
Regina Andres
January 30, 2017
I worked with John Henry Young when he was the Center Director at North Texas Job Corps. Mr. Young was devoted to the students, a sensitive person and a very gifted leader. Prayers to Jackie and the family.
Fred Rowe
January 20, 2017
I met John Henry in 1974 and we became friends and worked together at several locations within Job Corps. John never met a stranger and during his career, he majorly impacted hundreds of students lives as well as mine. He was like a brother to me and I will truly miss him. Jackie please accept our deepest condolences.
Linda Henry
January 19, 2017
Truly a great man full of inspiration and integrity. I worked with John Henry at the Frenchburg Job Corps. He touched so many lives. RIP
Lucretcia
January 10, 2017
To My Aunt Jackie and cousins very sorry to hear about uncle Johns passing. I pray you guys find comfort and peace at this time and will continue to keep you guys in my prayers. We love you!
Lucretcia, Alma and Yesenia
Nancy Mokay
January 9, 2017
I knew Mr. Young when he was the Center Director at Oneonta Job Corps. What a wonderful, kind, giving, compassionate man who always had the students interests at heart. Firm but fair. He would stop in my classroom and visit with myself and the student's and had a presence about him that I grew to admire and respect. I was sad when he left Oneonta Job Corps because I knew he could never be replaced. My sincere condolences.
Nancy Mokay
Jo Carroll
January 9, 2017
I remember John and my brother Johnnie Carroll from back in the day in our hometown when he and my brother were practicing basketball I always wanted to help but they was always bumping my head under the house when I try to retrieve the basketball for them I will never forget those times and to this day I still remember them . Rest In Peace job well done.
Patricia Brodersen
January 8, 2017
I worked with Mr. Young at the North Texas Job Corps from 1995-1998. Fresh out of college, I was lucky to work with him and learn so much. He was a dynamic speaker and was dedicated to his work. I remember and share his words of wisdom and expressions with my students and coworkers still. Mr. Young was larger than life, big heart and quite a character. He will be missed, but never forgotten. He touched so many lives. My deepest prayers and condolences to his family. He spoke about his wife and daughters all the time at work. God bless you all.
tom kytle
January 7, 2017
My mother Juanita Kytle Lyons was an english teacher who had John Henry Young as a student. I remember protesting a Goldwater rally with my mom and John and other black students. I would sometime have overnights at the dorm with John and George and they were both like big brothers to me. I loved both and would love to talk to George if he's still living. 650 575-4660 Tom
Roy Lee Anderson
January 6, 2017
I am proud to say that I grew up with John Henry Young and his brothers in Streetman, TX, attended Dogan High School with him, and got to see his basketball and track & field skills displayed on many occasions. It is a pleasure to see that he went on to pursue such a illustrious professional career in the Job Corps. My condolences to the family, and rest in heaven, "Big John."
Roy Lee Boldon-Anderson (Killeen, TX)
January 6, 2017
I attended Dogan High School with John Henry. He was my closest friend. John was so genuine and honest at all time. He was interested in helping people at all times. His laugh was very engaging. He will be missed by all that really knew him. He was an inspiration to me because he was real.
Randolph Stratford Class of 1960 @ Dogan High School.
Vanesssa Cobb
January 2, 2017
I never had the opportunity to work with Mr. Young. But I have only heard great things from my co-worker that worked and knew him at Turner Job Corps.May he forever Rest In Peace Mr. Young...."
E. Diane Ray Hudson
January 1, 2017
I met John Henry Young when he became Director of the Turner Job Corps Center in Albany, GA. I admired him because he displayed respect to students and staff. Even though he was strict the students loved him. I remembered I was called to his office and he asked why were their more students enrolled in the community college vs the four college, when I explained the reason he thanked me. He said he had asked several staff and no one had an answered.
I'm very sorry to hear of his passing and I'm praying that God continues to strengthen the family.
January 1, 2017
I never had the opportunity to work with Mr. Young. But I have only heard great things from my co-worker that worked and knew him. Rest In Heaven Mr. Young. My deepest condolences to your family
Donna R. Clark, TJCC (Albany, GA)
Team mates 1963-65. I made JHY an All American. I would shoot the ball and he would rebound it and put it in the basket!!
John Thompson
January 1, 2017
Leland Hoag
December 30, 2016
I had the pleasure of working for Mr. Young at the Oneonta Job Corps center. Of the many memories I have of him, my favorite was when Mr. Young observed me trying to adjust my tie before a meeting. A big smile came across his face and he let out a laugh and said "I have my wife tie mine at home and I pack them that way when I travel"
Rest In Peace John, I am proud to say I have shaken your hand I and am a better man for having known you.
Andre Young Jr
December 30, 2016
I will always admire the respect and power displayed by Johns voice. I am forever grateful for all the laughs and wisdom Mr. Young shared with me. Mr Young had a very warming personality that was extremely important to me as a young man. He epitomizes to me the strength and essence of a black man without any of the negative connotations. John was simply an amazing guy. I am blessed and humbled to share his last name. I pray for his family and friends and recognize Heaven certainly gained an angel with our loss
Dorothy Holt
December 29, 2016
I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Young here at the Turner Job Corps Center. He enlightened everyone that encountered him. He was truly one in a million. It was quite an experience working for him. He was a family man and always talked about his family. To his family, may God continue to bless and keep you in your time of need.
Anthony Ring
December 29, 2016
John,
It was my honor and pleasure to have gotten to know you. I'm so sad that I won't have the opportunity to see and speak with you again.
Thank you so much for your endless, dedicated service to our Nation's youth. It's because of people like you that so many go on to greatness they never would have imagined otherwise ~
God bless.....God's speed John Henry.
Tony
Anthony D. Ring
Deputy Regional Director
Boston Office of Job Corps
Anna Marie Davidson
December 29, 2016
John Henry and I worked together at Oneonta JCC. He was an amazing man and I learned from him. I still use his words "like white on rice". Rest In Peace John Henry!
December 29, 2016
I worked with Mr. John Henry Young Jr. at Turner Job Corps Center in Albany, Georgia. Mr. Young was a GREAT Center Director. Mr. Young treated everyone with RESPECT. Mr. Young not only touched the lives of many students but he touched the lives of many staff. Mr. Young was a great Story Teller, he commanded your attention from beginning to end.
Alice Godwin (TJCC/Albany, Georgia)
Herb and Connie Phipps
December 29, 2016
We pray that God comfort Jackie with the good memories of her life with John Henry Young. Peace and love to Melanie, Monique and Maya.
Judge Herbert and Mrs. Connie Phipps (Albany, Georgia).
Sherman Wall
December 29, 2016
John Henry Young was my teammate and friend. I was blessed to be have been able to renew our friendship last year at Midwestern's basketball reunion. My thoughts and prayers are with his lovely wife and daughters. I will miss John Henry and cherish the memories of my time with him.
Angela Mobley
December 29, 2016
Mr. Young gave me an opportunity to work with him as his Executive Secretary for many years. He was a great boss and friend. I will miss him dearly. To Mrs. Young and family my prayers goes out to you. I know he will be missed by a lot of people so hold on to the good memories. Love you and stay strong!
Angela Stevenson-Mobley
Rachel
December 29, 2016
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Young at Oneonta Job Corps Center. He touched so many lives and was an inspiration to us all. To his family, I offer my condolences at this difficult time.
Melvin Collins, Sr.
December 28, 2016
When I heard the sad news about the passing of John Henry Young, I was very sad. John Henry was a good friend, a co-worker in the Job Corps system, hard worker, and was committed to the Job Corps mission. He tried so hard to make a difference in the lives of the Job Corps students. He led by example which is so important for the students and staff. When I think about John Henry, it is difficult for me to understand the separation when one of our prized jewels leaves us. You search for him and he cannot be found, you call for him and he cannot respond, you ask for him and he does not hear you, you wait and you realize he is not coming. It is only the eternal memories in our hearts that seem to remain. When I think of John Henry, I remember what a wonderful and loving person he was. He touched the lives of so many families over the years Please know that I share your loss and I will always remember how BLESSED I was to have known John Henry Young over the years.
Melvin R. Collins, Sr. - Virginia Beach, VA.
Tammalynn Young Phillips
December 28, 2016
We called you "Big John" originally because of your stature, but later because of the spirit of your nature and nurture. Thank you for being a strong man for your family and for sharing your strength, wisdom and compassion with us.
We will forever remember you. - Tammalynn, Sanford, Amber, Andre, Anastasia, and Katherena
Kathy Wolff
December 27, 2016
You have touched many lives with your dignified manner and love for God. Rest in a peace Mr. Young.
James Draper
December 27, 2016
I was fortunate to be a Midwestern State University teammate of John Henry Young during the years of 1963-66. 'Big John' brought a new game to the hardwoods in Wichita Falls, Texas. The gym was packed to watch John Henry display his talents. Additionally, it was a pleasure to share many great memories on campus and off the court with this good friend. John Henry Young set a great example for others to follow in their search for success in life. My thoughts & prayers are with the family during this difficult time. We all
have many great memories to focus upon.
Donald Scott
December 27, 2016
John Henry Young changed my life and I am among literally thousands of those whose lives he changed. Now he is gone and as my wife, Rachel, said, the world is lesser today because of his absence.
I have known very few truly great men in my life but John Henry Young is certainly among them. I learned from him that to make a difference in the lives of young people is to first love them. Love them and believe in them and stand ready to be their champion whatever their circumstances. This is the sort of thing lots of people who deal with youth say but in John, it was made real.
No matter how bad things might appear, and John went through some tough times , the way all strong people who refuse to suffer fools gladly
will, he would puff up his chest and pound on it with one of those large fists and say, Today I feel like a flea with a whole dog all to himself! And he meant it.
John, another friend would often say, strides through life.
So when the Job Corps program was being shredded by a news outlet in Dallas over purported misdeeds and sloppy management of the JCC there, who did Washington call? John, of course and happily did he ride into battle.
One year later year, that same news outlet pronounced the center fixed. But what I saw, up close and personal, was that the center really had been broken and John really had fixed it. Not just the perception of improvement, you see, but actual mending of the entire center. I know what very few people either do not know or refuse to acknowledge, that John and the company he worked for at the time had saved the entire Job Corps Program from possible closure or severe reduction. Watching the transformation of the attitudes of a center, including virtually all students, and staff, was awe-inspiring.
There are many more John Henry Moments I could share to show the impact he truly had on the youth of this great Nation of ours but selfishly my mind is drawn back to so many personal moments that hurt now so much to recall, later to be cherished, but it must be later.
I remember our sitting on the front porch of our house on Floyd Bennett Field in New York the day before Thanksgiving cracking pecans to add to the dressing we would eat the next day. The progress a bit slowed by the Jack Daniels we were sipping to make certain we did not tire before we filled the bowl.
When half the roof blew off the male dormitory at our center, he led the staff and students to pushing the rainwater out with brooms. We knew that many kids at our center had no real home to go to so he rallied the center to set up a make-shift dorm in the dry end of the building. During the weeks it took to repair the dorm, we lost the fewest students that we ever had before for a similar time period. Sleep on a mattress on the floor? If it is what Mr. Young thinks is best. The authorities over us just went silent while this little miracle happened. That's okay, we didn't do it for praise, we did it for the kids and, yes, for him!
Today, John, I know you would ask me to feel like that flea with his own dog. Sorry, I cannot. Later I will, I promise.
Always, Don and Rachel
Brian Fox, ETR President/CEO
December 27, 2016
On behalf of Education & Training Resources (ETR), the Turner Job Corps Center, and the Oneonta Job Corps Center, our prayers and condolences are with Mr. Young's family. Mr. Young changed and saved many lives during his tenure and leadership at these and other Job Corps centers.
Sherman Wall
December 26, 2016
I had the honor of being on the same court with John Henry during our days at Midwestern. It was so great to see him last year at the gathering of past Midwestern basketball players where I got to spend time visiting with him and his lovely wife. We shared many memories and renewed our special friendship. Rest in peace, my dear friend. I will miss you.
Sherman Wall
Tom Beck
December 26, 2016
I played at MU with John Henry and have great memories of our time there. I believe, because of the times, being there with him made me a better person. There is not anyone I have more respect and admiration for than John Henry. I am sorry for your loss, and the Young family will be in my prayers.
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