James Albert Young

RENO - James Albert Young, (86), of Reno, Nevada, passed away on March 18, 2024. James was born to Albert and Gladys Young on August 19, 1937, in Yreka California. He grew up on his family’s cattle ranch outside of Etna, California.

Dr. Young, a retired Research Scientist for the US Department of Agricultural studied at UC Davis, Chico State University and North Dakota State University (plant breeding masters) and then obtained his doctorate in Rangeland Management from Oregon State University. He worked in Reno for the USDA for 43 years, devising methods to maintain and preserve the soils and plant communities that constitute the rangelands in the Great Basin. Dr. Young was a world recognized expert on North American Seeds.

James was always a hard worker. He wrote books about the Great Basin, Seed Propagation, tractors and more. He loved to be outside in Nevada. He taught his children to drive in the desert at a young age. He taught them about Native American Culture, the Old West and the settler migration across Nevada and about geological formations and periods. He always had a story to tell and re-tell about places in Nevada, people who were unique and interesting and historical happenings. His hobbies included woodworking and he crafted thousands of candle sticks, frames and bowls for family and friends.

James Young is survived by his wife of 65 years, Cheryl and his three children and their spouses, Theresa and Teddy Baumann, Patrick Young and Ida Simonyan and Nancy and Octavio Diaz. He is also survived by his grandsons and wives Jonathan and Shannon, Daniel and Katie, James, Axel, Isak, Caroline, Albert, Diego, and Emiliano. His great-grandchildren Matthew, Averly, Salvatore, and expected Klara. Also, surviving him is his niece Jennifer, and nephews Fritz and John Mason.

James was a wonderful, kind father and husband, and was a friend to many. He had a passion for learning and teaching. He had many students from UNR work and learn in the research station. Dr. Young was proceeded in death by his parents Albert and Gladys, and his sister Constance and by his best friend Phil Martinelli, and his beloved dog, Sam P. Dog. He will be cremated, and his ashes scattered in the Nevada desert by his family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation on his behalf to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or (321) 335-8700.