Young, James S. Jr., 49, of Brandon, a Tampa native and well known business owner, community activist and philanthropist involved in businesses and organizations throughout the Tampa Bay area, entered into eternal life Friday, April 25, 2008 in Brandon FL. James was member of the Nativity Catholic Church and was well known in the community for all his charitable works. James was named 2005 Honorary Mayor of Brandon. In running for this honorary position James will be remembered for raising the largest donations in the history of the event, raising over $75,000 for several charities. He was a trustee board member of the Presidents' Roundtable of Brandon, a board member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Manatee County, past President of Brandon Kiwanis, and the current President of Kiwanis Foundation of Brandon. He is also a member of Tampa Kiwanis Club, a board member of Campo YMCA, a board member of Brandon Foundation, a member of Brandon 86 Rotary Club, and an active member of the Hillsboro County Republican Executive Committee.
James was a serving committee member of Novemberfest for Nativity Catholic Church, which is the third largest public charity event in Hillsborough County. James was the founding Father of the Royal Krewe of Privateers. The privateer's platform was raising donations for All Children's Hospital of St. Petersburg. James committed himself to various telethons, sponsoring golf tournaments and outings that raised thousands of dollars for various children's charitable organizations thought out the Tampa Bay area.
James leaves behind a legacy of leadership, dedication and a spirit of giving that will be forever remembered in the Brandon community. His heritage will live on through his family: Katy, his loving wife of 23 years; son Blake; and daughter Marla. James is also survived by is mother, Doris Young and aunt, Renie Loftin both of Temple Terrace; three sisters, Vicky (Terry) Pilon of Zephyrhills, Deborah Raines of Tampa and Roxanne (Larry) Henry of Parrish, FL; brother, Michael Young of Temple Terrace; and several nieces, nephews and cousins and numerous friends and colleagues throughout Florida. The visitation will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at Nativity Catholic Church from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside service to follow at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park. The family invites friends to join them for a reception at The Winthrop Barn, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave, Riverview, following the service. In Lieu of flowers a trust fund for the Young Children has been established at The Greater Brandon Community Foundation, P.O. Box 3197, Brandon, FL 33509 or memorial donations may be made to La Victoria Mission c/o Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E. Brandon Blvd, Brandon Florida 33510. Words of comfort may be expressed at serenitymeadows.com