MCGEHEE — Dr. James Everett Young,

78, of McGehee, Ark., died November 14, 2023. He was born in Memphis, Tenn., on November 8, 1945, to the late Reverend James Olive and Lura Everett Young.

He graduated from Fouke High School in 1964. After attending Ouachita Baptist University from 1964-1968, he studied medicine at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and received his medical degree in 1972.

James met Johnnie Rose, a nursing student, when they worked together in the neonatal intensive care unit. They married in 1972 and spent a year in Fort Worth, Texas, for his internship.

After two years of active military duty at Pine Bluff Arsenal, they moved to McGehee in 1975. There he practiced family medicine until shortly before his death.

He served in various leadership capacities and was a member of various state and national medical organizations. James was a member of First Baptist Church of McGehee, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He also served annually in Honduras as part of the church’s medical mission team for 26 years. James served on the Ouachita Baptist University Board of Trustees for several years to promote and support their programs for Christian higher education.

James was predeceased by his parents; his son, Jared Wilson Young; and his brother-in-law, Max Epperson.

He is survived by his wife, Johnnie Rose Young; daughter, Jennifer Stevens and her husband, Scott, and grandson, Jake Stevens. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Epperson; and several cousins.

Visitation will be at First Baptist Church of McGehee, Ark., on Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Rev. David Brown and Rev. Dean Nichols officiating. Burial will follow at McGehee Cemetery.

James so loved being a Christian Southern Country Doctor. He loved the people here and they loved him!

Memorials may be made to McGehee Desha County Hospital, P.O. Box 351, McGehee, Ark. 71654, or First Baptist Church of McGehee, P.O. Box 133, McGehee, Ark. 71654. Arrangements by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service of McGehee, Ark. Online guestbook may be signed www.griffinculpepper.com