James Franklin Young Jr.

James "Jim" Franklin Young, Jr.

Jim, age 77, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on April 8, 1948, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Jim grew up with a deep love of music, which blossomed into a spirited run as a member of local and regional sensation "The Maurauders." Throughout the 1960s, he and his bandmates Rick Miller, Rick Przywojski and Terry Gardner shared the stage with such renowned acts as The Dave Clark Five and The Turtles, among others. His passion for rhythm, harmony, and community remained a defining thread throughout his life.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. A proud father to three sons, he poured immeasurable love, patience, and humor into raising his boys. For many years, he coached youth baseball, impacting countless children with his steady encouragement, generous heart, and genuine belief in their potential. To many, he wasn't just "Coach Young"-he was a mentor who shaped character as much as athletic skill.

A lover of the outdoors, Jim found joy in golfing and camping with family and friends, as well as in appreciating the simple beauty of sharing a quiet cup of coffee and birdwatching with Diane on peaceful Wisconsin mornings. His faith was central to his life, and he was deeply involved in his church community, serving in various roles and living out his values through consistent kindness and service.

Jim dedicated most of his adult life to public service, working for the State of Wisconsin until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Marilyn Hanrahan; mother, Bernadine (Flack) Young; father, James Young Sr, brothers-in-law Scott and James Michaels, sister-in-law Susan (Michaels) Harris, and nephew Lucas Michaels.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Diane; his three sons, Michael (Heather), Matthew, and Nicholas (Debbie); his nieces and nephews Julie, Christopher, Jill, Jay, Paul, Brian, Justin, Angie, Matt, Mike, Kaitlin, Hannah, Ben, Mellisa, and Nick, many brothers and sisters-in-law, and his cherished grandchildren Hayden, Zachary, Amber, Anabel, Emory, and Mason; all of whom he adored. He is also remembered fondly by a wide circle of friends, former players, and community members who will forever feel the impact of his warmth, wisdom, humor, and most of all his truly unique and very infectious laugh.

Relatives and friends may join the family on Tuesday, February 3, at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 7626 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, from 3 PM, until the Celebration of Life at 5 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Jim's honor.

"Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyways"

- John Wayne