James A. Younk

1942 - 2024

James A. Younk, age 82, of Mayer and formerly Watertown passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at his residence.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (109 Angel Ave NW) in Watertown with Fr. James Devorak as Celebrant of the Mass. Gathering of family and friends held at the church from 5-7 p.m. on Monday and one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday. Interment in the church cemetery.

James Anthony Younk was born January 11, 1942, in Little Falls, MN, the son of Joseph and Helen (Krystosek) Younk. He graduated from Royalton High School and continued his education at St. Cloud State University, where he earned a master's degree in education. On August 5, 1967, Jim was united in marriage to Judith Kaczmarek at the Cathedral of St Cloud. Their almost 57-year union was blessed with three children.

Jim grew up on a dairy farm where he learned countless life lessons about hard work and the importance of family. Immediately after high school Jim worked for Jack Frost, and if you have not heard one of his several truck driving stories from that time, then you may not have had enough cups of coffee at that visit. After completing his college education, he went on to lead a long and distinguished career in teaching. Jim was a lifelong volunteer; serving in many capacities including advising students in the W-M Ecology Club and chaperoning hundreds of kids over the years on trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. He also held coaching positions for kids ranging in age from junior high to high school teams, even taking some to State championships.

Jim's faith and sharing it with others was of immense importance to him. He prioritized serving at Immaculate Conception in various capacities from volunteering as a groundskeeper, to serving as a trustee. He and Judy also mentored over 20 couples over the years in premarital classes. Jim had an incredible talent for woodworking, often never even needing a pattern to create a piece of furniture or carrying out an idea someone had in mind. In the last several years he enjoyed making and giving away countless charcuterie boards to friends and family. These boards have become a conversation piece in many of these homes as they are sometimes simply displayed in kitchens of their recipient's homes.

Family was his most prized treasure in this life. Jim was always willing to do what needed to be done to make sure his family was taken care of. From spending every summer as a teacher painting houses and contracting local carpentry jobs to help make ends meet to never missing a single sporting event his kids participated in. As the years went by and the family grew with grandchildren, you were sure to find Jim passing on his faith, countless stories and demonstrating his immense love for them. Family gatherings for dinner brought him immense joy. Jim sought to improve on his recipes each and every time and delighted in teasing his grandkids by insisting on watching Gunsmoke; a standing appointment he never missed each day. His absence leaves an unfillable void, and he will be dearly missed until reunited with his loved ones once again. We are certain that he has already been embraced by Aaron, who walked Jim's final portage with him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Helen Younk; son Aaron Younk; brothers Joe Younk, David Younk; sister Dorothy "Dottie" Thompson; father-in-law and mother-in-law Joe and Dorothy (Freude) Kaczmarek; sister-in-Law Rose Blasczyk.

Jim is survived by his loving family: wife Judy Younk; son David (Rebecca) Younk; daughter Alison (Derek) Kilker; grandchildren Willa, Sailor, Paige (Jared), Parker, Serena, Cole, Payton, Isaac and Kase; great grandchildren Baines and Hayes; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Rosemary Younk, Roger Thompson, Barbara and Robert Evans, Monica and Ken Schechter, Mary and Gerry Vierzba, Will Blasczyk; other relatives and many dear friends.

Serving as urn bearers are Jim's grandchildren.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia. 952-442-2121 www.johnsonfh.com