On  September 14, 2019, James Perry Young, Jr., passed away at the age of 93. The only child of James and Juanita Young, Jim was born October 25, 1925 in the Canal Zone and raised in Pedro Miguel. As a boy, Jim developed his love of music, hunting, and fishing. Following his graduation from Balboa High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and served the majority of his time as a small boat operator in Coco Solo, Panama during World War II. Jim attended Canal Zone Junior College after his service and subsequently acquired a plumbing apprenticeship with the Canal Zone Government.

Even though both were born and raised in the Canal Zone, it wasn't until the early 1950's that Jim met his wife, Mary Sullivan, in Times Square in New York City. They were married 66 years and had six children together. Jim eventually transferred into a training program and served the remainder of his years with the Panama Canal Commission as a tugboat captain. At the time of his retirement, he was the Senior Master on the Trinidad II. He and his wife, Mary, retired in 1981 to the home they built  in Camano Island, Washington.

Jim spent much of his time in the late 40's playing the saxophone in local bands around the Canal Zone. He was a talented musician and had a knack for picking up instruments. Jim loved to hunt with friends and family all over Panama and later in the U.S. He was an avid fisherman, many will recall Capt. Jim's annual bass tournament and fish fry on Gatun Lake in Gamboa. Another of Jim's many talents was in storytelling. He could fill a room with his charm, booming voice, and boisterous laugh. Jim was one of the warmest people you could ever meet. He was generous and welcoming, always willing to help family, friends and neighbors with plumbing issues and repair work. To know him was to love him.