Dates
James Murrell Young Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born on September 11, 1938, in San Angelo, Texas, to Murrell and Violet Young. Jim lived a full and adventurous life, defined by his love for his family, his hard work, and his enduring faith.
From an early age, Jim showed a remarkable work ethic, beginning his first job as a paperboy. At the age of 16, he drove a very large truck with family friends to wheat harvest through several states ending in South Dakota, a chapter he often fondly reminisced about. His sense of adventure led him to join the Navy as a teenager, where he traveled the world, forming lifelong friendships and creating cherished memories in places like Japan and Australia. He was proud to be a Veteran and loved his Country.
Jim met the love of his life, Shirley Bitner, in their hometown of San Angelo and married December 17,1960. Together, they built a life of love and devotion just 13 days shy of 64 years. His work with Firestone Test Center and later Mobil Oil took their family to Fort Stockton, where they lived and thrived for many years. He retired from Mobil Oil in 1999.
An avid outdoorsman, Jim found joy in hunting and exploring the area where OC Fisher Lake was built and later fished there. Surviving the Lakeview tornado of 1953 left an indelible mark on his life—one that ensured he never wore a yellow shirt again!
Jim’s thirst for knowledge and creativity was evident throughout his life. A dedicated learner, he pursued continuing education courses and mastered many trades. His woodworking skills were extraordinary, crafting intricate wooden toys and puzzles that are now cherished by his great-granddaughter and future generations.
Jim and Shirley moved back to San Angelo when they retired, where they embarked on countless RV adventures across the U.S., often visiting their beloved grandchildren. His family was his greatest pride and joy, and he imparted lessons of hard work, perseverance, strength, and honesty to his children and grandchildren.
Jim’s faith in the Lord was steadfast throughout his life. He was a member of Fort Stockton Baptist Church and later Harris Avenue Baptist Church in San Angelo.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley Bitner Young; his sister Ann Whitley; his brother Steve Young; and his daughters Sherry Horak (husband John), Michele Singh (husband Ted), and Jenny Goodwin (husband Scott). He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren, Ashlen Thornton (husband Brantley) and their daughter Saige and soon-to-arrive baby girl, Austin Horak, Rylan Horak (wife Lily), Ben Goodwin, and Grace Goodwin, along with many nieces and nephews whom he deeply cherished. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Tom Young, and his brothers-in-law, Buck Whitley, Ray, Winston & Harold Bitner, Jim Johnson & Jake Young.
Jim will be remembered for his boundless love for his family, his unshakable faith, his adventurous spirit, and his determination to always stay busy and learn something new. His legacy lives on in the lives of those he touched and the values he instilled in his family. He will be profoundly missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew him. His journey on earth may have ended, but his love and influence will live on forever.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo on Saturday, December 7th at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at Fairmount Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude’s or DAV: Disabled American Veterans in Jim’s memory.
Special thanks to Angelo Home Care, Allen, Jennifer & Alexandra Poppell, Caregivers Larry Albert, Crystal Ramirez, Rachel, Jolissa & Elivia and Veterans Administration.