James L. Young, 59, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026 at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC.

James Lyndale Young Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully into eternal rest on Monday, May 25, 2026, in Greensboro, North Carolina, with his devoted wife by his side. He was born on January 2, 1967, to the late Sammy Lee Young Sr. and Sadie Bell (Washington) Young.

James was a proud graduate of Myers Park Senior High School, where his competitive spirit shone early. He played football and competed in Track and Field throughout middle school and into his junior and senior high school years. A passion for the game of football never left him. A lifelong fan of the Carolina Panthers, he cherished watching NFL football and carried a love of the sport from the playing field into being a passionate fan.

A man of many talents, James had a true gift in the kitchen. He attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, and went on to become an avid cook and sought-after caterer, delighting family and friends — especially during the holiday season — with his culinary creations. Whether cooking, baking, or manning the grill, he brought the same warmth and care to every dish he prepared.

James found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved the outdoors — tending to his lawn, landscaping, gardening, and spending quiet hours fishing. Above all, he treasured time with his grandchildren. Vacations with them were among his most cherished memories, and he poured himself into offering guidance, encouragement, and love to the young people in his life.

Those who knew James knew a man who was full of life, strong-willed, deeply loving, and endlessly encouraging. He had a remarkable gift for friendship — making a lasting impression on virtually everyone he met — and he leaves behind a legacy as rich and vibrant as the life he lived.

James was preceded in death by his parents and nine beloved siblings: Robert Young, Preston Young, Bobbie Sloan, Reatha Y. Knighton, Evelyn Grant, Alice Pearl Mangum, Zada L. Gonsan, Geraldine C. McDowell, and Sandra Elaine Hardin.

James is survived by his devoted wife, Tina Marie Gaddy Young; his daughter, Janel Latrice Young; his son, James Lyndale Young Jr.; two grandsons, Dashawn Boler and Jayen Young; and three granddaughters, Promise Young, Nivia Young, and Aleah Young.

He is also survived by his siblings: Atyeb Al (Martha), Glenda Carithers (Clarence), Lola Reese (Don), Samuel Young Jr., Ross Young (Cindy), and Marvin Young; and his siblings-in-law: Patricia Young, Edna Johnson (Napoleon), Cora Little (Alexander), Paul Gaddy (Ivey), and Peter Gaddy.

He held a special place in his heart for his nieces Lauren Sifford and Gina Royal, whom he loved as daughters, and for his dear friend Darius "Peewee" Culp, whom he considered a brother.

James is further survived by a cherished host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him.