Etta Joan "James" Young

Etta Joan James Young, affectionately known as Joan or Gran to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, in Locust Grove, Georgia. Born on August 29, 1934, in Boise City, Oklahoma, Joan's life was a tapestry of love, dedication, and service, woven with the threads of her passions and relationships.
Joan's journey began as the daughter of Walter Pelig James and Bonnie Delores James, and she grew up surrounded by a loving family. She was a beacon of light in the lives of her siblings, Bonnie Montgomery, Walter "Shug" James, Frank James, and Joe James, who preceded her in death, as well as Tom & Deb James and Jessie & Gayla James, who continue to cherish her memory.
The love story of Joan and her beloved husband, Henry Thomas Young, spanned an incredible 65 years until his passing. Together, they built a life filled with joy and raised a family that was the center of Joan's world. Her son, Walter Arthur Young, greeted her with open arms in the next life, while her daughter, Lisa Young Laughlin, son-in-law Joseph Stambaugh, and grandchildren Heather Glossup, Ashley Laughlin, and Thomas Laughlin, along with Mason Glossup her cherished great-grandson remain to honor her legacy.
Joan's educational journey culminated in a BA in Nursing, a testament to her caring nature and desire to help others. She graduated from high school in the class of 1952 in Felt, Oklahoma, and her compassion and skill as a nurse were evident until she chose to focus on her most cherished role in 1965, that of a mother.
Her hobbies were as diverse as her love for her family, ranging from gardening and coin collecting to reading and breeding cattle. Joan was truly a rare and unusual woman, whose interests reflected her multifaceted personality and zest for life.
Those who knew Joan would describe her as loving above all else. Her warmth and kindness touched the lives of many, and her memory will be celebrated with visitation at Haisten Funeral Home on Monday evening, January 12, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM. The final farewell will be held in her birthplace of Boise City, Oklahoma, with funeral and burial services on January 16, 2026. An online guest registry is available at www.haistenfuneral.com for those who wish to share memories and condolences.
Haisten Funeral Home of Jackson is serving the Young family during this time of remembrance. Joan's life was a testament to the power of love and the beauty of a life well-lived. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her spirit will continue to inspire those she has left behind.