James Young

James Willard “Frisky” Young, age 83, of Sault Ste. Marie, MI passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at the Hospice of the EUP – Hospice House.  

James was born on May 3, 1939, on Sugar Island.  He graduated with the Loretto Central Catholic High School Class of 1958.  James served his country in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Germany during the early 1960’s.  On October 22, 1966, he married Elizabeth Trudeau at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

James was employed as a Lineman at the Soo Locks.  He also worked many years as a Heavy Equipment Operator.  He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local #324, American Legion Post #3, and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.  He loved to play League Cribbage, tend to his large garden, and raise chickens and pigs.  James also enjoyed spending time on his property on Sugar Island, fishing and milling lumber.

Frisky will be remembered by his easy-going attitude, generosity, and steady, grounding nature. He loved to drive his tractor, give away vegetables from his garden, spend time at the “shack” on Sugar Island, go on country drives with his wife, and visit with his beloved grandchildren. Some of his favorite moments in life were hitchhiking across the country in his youth and enjoying the comradery he fostered during his service in the U.S. army. Frisky was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend to many. Life will not be the same without him, but his spirit lives on with our ancestors, and he will forever be missed. 

James is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his sons: Clarence Young and James (Sue Menard) Young, both of Sault Ste. Marie; his daughter; Elaine (Eric) Clement of Kingsley, MI; four grandchildren: Alicia, Alex, Autumn, and Jamey; as well as three great-grandchildren: Jim, Tony and Danny. 

He is also survived by his lifelong friend Bob LaLonde and life-long special cousins Henry Boulley and Mick Frechette.

James was preceded in death by his parents:  Anthony and Catherine (Marshall) Young.

A visitation will begin at 12:00 PM on Monday, August 15, 2022, at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building with pipe ceremony and sharing beginning at 7:00 PM.  On Tuesday, August 16, 2022, a Funeral ceremony will begin at 10:30 am with readings, Veteran ceremony at 11:00 AM and drumming, at the ceremonial building.    In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Hospice of the EUP.