James S. Young, 82 of Forks Twp., PA died Saturday, August 28, 2021, at The Easton Home, Easton, PA. Born April 14, 1939, in Hackensack, NJ he was a son of the late Helen (Wertz) and Alexander Young. A graduate of West Chester University, he received his master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and continued on in their PhD program. He was as an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at Penn State University Lehigh Valley for 30 plus years before retiring.
Professor Young also created the Penn State Cycling Team and coached cycling at Penn State for 30 years. Through the years, and his efforts, cycling expanded its reach to the Eastern Intercollegiate Cycling Conference. Cycling competition soon grew beyond a single spring race to a series of races with riders from all over the country. Coach Young pushed for the creation of a national collegiate program and as such is credited with the formation of the National Collegiate Cycling Association. He led his team to ten national championships, more than 45 individual national championships and he personally coached 5 US Olympians. He was the President of the US Collegiate Cycling Association and President of the Future Champions Cycling Club. He also authored a handbook on cycling safety and training techniques. Jim continued to mentor his students well after retirement and will be remembered not only as a great coach but as a good friend.
Jim and his wife of 50 years, the former Barbara Bohning, loved dancing with Mark Morris’ Dance for Parkinson’s Disease group at Juilliard in New York City for many years. Never letting the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease stop him, Jim was able to enjoy his three passions in life until the very end: his family, cycling and dancing.
He is survived by his wife: Barbara Young; daughter: Kate Young (husband Keith Abrahamsson) of Brooklyn, NY; son: Matt Young (wife Katie Parson) of Mill Valley, CA; four grandchildren: Stellan and Leif Abrahamsson, and Charlotte and Sienna Young. He was predeceased by two brothers: Alexander and Bruce Young.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family, for information contact the Ashton Funeral Home, Easton at 610-253-4678. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Dance for Parkinson’s Disease at www.danceforparkinsons.org or American Parkinson’s Disease Assoc. at www.apdaparkinson.org or Search for Common Ground at www.sfcg.org.
Kathy Gilchrist
August 31, 2021 at 4:12 am
Jim, my dear dear friend. What a journey we had taking a small kernel of an idea and developing it into the National Collegiate Cycling Association. You were the father of collegiate cycling. Every past, present and future collegiate cyclist benefits from the legacy of your passion for the sport. You will be missed.
Vickie and John Anderson
August 31, 2021 at 8:49 am
Hi Barb, What a difficult time for you, Kate and Matt. We both have fond memories of our times together. We also remember his archery along with his deep involvement in cycling. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Vickie and John
Jan & Marty Beatty
August 31, 2021 at 11:39 am
Dear Barb & family – our hearts go out to you in this time of adjusting to loss of such a vibrant life force and loving husband, father/grandfather. Jim will surely be missed by the so many folks fortunate enough to share his wonderful journey.
Sending love and offering any help we can give-
Jan & Marty
Thom and Sue Bruggink
August 31, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Sue and I have many wonderful memories of Jim over the years. He was so devoted to you, Barbara, and you took such great care of him. The fact that you and Jim continued to travel with such challenges is so remarkable but yet not surprising. You worked it to the very end. Both of you are an inspiration to us all.
I will cherish my last conversation with Jim in July, where, after we biked together for a short distance at Riverview, we discussed the merits of his special bike. When you came back from walking and joined us, he looked at you with such appreciation.
Margarete Lamb-Faffelberger
September 1, 2021 at 11:38 am
Dear Barbara, Kate and Matt and families,
We are so sorry for your tremendous loss. Our sincere condolences. Jim was one of the bravest people we know. He was full of love for you and for life despite his difficult illness. He will live on in our hearts and memories.
With love,
Margarete, Walt, Tom, Tina, and Nik and families
Ed McDonald
September 1, 2021 at 11:59 am
At this moment of deep sorrow, I would like to extend my condolences to Barbara and her family.
May the loving care of those closest to Barbara provide her with a bit of comfort and the tranquility needed to get her through the coming days.
Sincerely,
Ed McDonald
Betty and Jan van Roon
September 2, 2021 at 9:59 am
We are very grateful to have met Jim, Barbara and family 32 years ago. Great memories, unforgettable visits and Jim’s very positive attitude we will never forget. We wish you, Barbara, children and grandchildren all the best in this difficult period. Lots of love, Betty and Jan
dave&debbie hann
September 2, 2021 at 2:24 pm
We are very sorry for your lose
Sincerely
Dave & Debbie
our lose.
Kathy Tomaino
September 2, 2021 at 4:38 pm
Dear Barbara & Family,
I know Jim is with the guys now. They all will be looking out for us. They suffered long enough and we took good care of them, may that give you a little comfort now. My prayers are with you & your family. Any help you need I’m here.
Love, Kathy
Kimberley Taylor
May 25, 2023 at 10:40 am
I wish I had had the chance to get to know you and I’ll always regret searching too late. 💔