James "Jim" Ray Young's Obituary
James "Jim" Ray Young, of Seymour, was born September 8, 1956, at St. Joseph Hospital in Centerville, IA to Bernard and Karen (Cleeton) Young. He passed away at his home on March 12, 2026, at the age of 69.
Jim was baptized at First Baptist Church in Seymour and grew up in the Seymour community. A graduate of Seymour High School, Jim was known to his longtime friends as "Jimmy." He was active in athletics and graduated with the Class of 1974.
Following high school, Jim attended Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri, where he graduated with honors and was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. During his college years, he also worked at Fowler Elevator. While attending college, he met Connie Edmondson of O'Fallon, Missouri, and the couple was united in marriage in November of 1980. Together they were blessed with three children: Rachael, Tracy, and Travis.
After college, Jim began working for the Milwaukee Railroad, then the Sioux Railroad that later became the Canadian Pacific Railroad. He eventually began what would become a long and fulfilling career with Rathbun Rural Water Association, where he worked from 1989 until his retirement in 2018.
Jim was an avid hunter and a lifelong sports fan. He especially enjoyed fast-pitch softball, with one of his favorites being the Plano Fast-Pitch team. He was also a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He had a love for raising Brittany dogs, & found great joy in coaching and supporting his children in their sports activities. Known by many as a "good guy," Jim never met a stranger.
He is survived by his children, Rachael Jones of Ankeny, Tracy (Jon Mark) Statom of Florence, Alabama, and Travis (Rachel) Young of Chariton; grandchildren, Lily and Silas Jones, Josie, Ridge, Briar, and Maggie Statom, and Garrett and Lottie Young; his mother, Karen Young; sister, Vicky (Andy) Decker; nephews, Chad (Sarah) Peck and Torry (Lindsy) Peck; niece, Angie (Jeff) Enright; and their families; Connie Young; and numerous extended family members and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Young; his infant brother, Gary Lee Young; and his grandparents, Vic and Margaret Cleeton and Jim and Trella Young.
Visitation will be held Friday evening, March 20, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, with the family present from 5–7 p.m. The family would like to invite Jim's friends to his graveside services at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Southlawn Cemetery in Seymour. For memorials, the family is establishing the Jim Young Memorial Fund, which will be used in the Seymour community to help benefit local community projects, and checks/cards may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Young Family, 501 North 18 th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544.
Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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