EPSOM, N.H. — Family and friends are mourning the death of the Reverend Dr. James Robert Young Sr.
of Epsom, N.H. on Nov. 26, 2023. Born in Jackson, Miss., the second son of the late Rev. Rufus King Young, Sr and the late Essie Mae Adams Young, he lived with his family in various cities throughout the South until his father’s AME ministry brought him to Little Rock, Ark. The family moved their residence to North Little Rock in 1958.
After graduating from Scipio A. Jones High School, North Little Rock in 1964, Dr. Young continued his education receiving his BA from Texas Southern University in 1968 in Houston Tex. and his Master’s of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Ga. in 1971. Subsequently, he earned his doctorate in the Sociology of Religion from the Boston University School of Theology.
Receiving his call to the ministry at age 12, Dr. Young dedicated his life to his calling by supporting and participating in numerous endeavors. Settling in New Hampshire, these endeavors included a distinguished teaching career at various colleges and universities throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts as well as being an active supporter of numerous civic causes.
Additionally, he was the long time pastor of New Rye Union Congregational Church in Epsom, N.H. Dr. Young was preceeded in death by his loving wife, Dorene Wells Young, his parents, and his brother, Rufus King Young, Jr. He leaves to celebrate his legacy his son, James Robert Young, Jr (Cara), granddaughter (Aurora) all of Worcester, Mass., his daughter, Alicia Mae Young (fiance Jeff Rawitsch), Arlington, Mass., his sisters, Essie (Emley) Norman, Atlanta, Ga., Ellen Fizer(Tyrone), Brandywine, Md., Allena Strong (Leodis), Edmond, Okla., sister-inlaw, Elouise Best Young, Atlanta, Ga., cousins, Jack Lewis, Jr and Clifton Lewis, Sr both of Little Rock and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of Dr. Young’s wonderful life will be held in the spring at a time to be announced later. Announced by Premier Funeral Home