Kenneth J. Youngs

Boonville - Kenneth J. "Kenny" Youngs, 83, of the Denley Road, and a widely known radio show host of Afternoon Jamboree, heard weekdays on radio station WBRV, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2009, at Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Boonville, where he had been a resident for one day. Kenny was born in the Town of West Martinsburg on November 15, 1925, to James L. and Gladys (Denslow) Youngs. As an infant he moved with his family to the former Marcy farm on Denley Road near Talcottville. He grew up there and graduated from Boonville High School in the Class of 1943. He purchased his family's farm in 1946, which he operated for many years until his son and daughter-in-law, James and Cheryl, assumed operation of the farm. Kenny was a well-known disc jockey in central and upstate New York for over fifty years. He was first affiliated with radio station WREM in Remsen, where he worked for several years and began his signature radio program, "The Country Jamboree". From 1982 until the fall of 2008 the program aired on radio station WBRV in Boonville. On April 27, 1974, Kenneth was married to Sharon Rounds at the North Western United Methodist Church. For over fifty years Kenny was the manager, drummer and square dance caller for the country & western band, "The Rhythm Riders." He was a member and trustee of the Talcottville United Methodist Church, a member of the Boonville-Oneida County Fair Board of Directors since 1984, an honorary member of the Cortland Music Hall of Fame, a life member of Fly Wheels and Pulleys Club of Constableville, a member of Boonville Chapter AARP, a member of Ronnie Smith Fan Club, and a member of The Country Music Association of Nashville, TN. He served for many years as Vice President of Boonville Eastern Milk Producers. In addition to his wife, Sharon, he is survived by a daughter and her fiancee, Shari Seamans and Arthur "Merlin" Buffett, Bridgeport; a son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Cheryl, Boonville; three sons and a daughter from a former marriage, Wayne (and Kay), Greenfield Center, NY, Linda (and Jim) Herkimer, Pennellville, Kyle (and Deborah) and E.J. (and Denise), all of Boonville; twelve grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; and one sister, Arlene Salmon, Port Leyden. He was predeceased by a sister, Dora Gilroy; a grandson, Stephen; two sons-in-law, Stephen Worden and Bruce Seamans; and a very dear brother-in-law, Ralph Salmon. His family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to the doctors and staff at Lewis County General Hospital for the tender loving care they gave to Kenny, his wife and family during his illness. His funeral will be Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler Street, Boonville. Spring interment will be in Port Leyden Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday 4-8 p.m. and Tuesday, 1-4 & 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Port Leyden Fire Department and Ambulance Fund or Talcottville United Methodist Church.