James Younker, 80, of Greenville, died on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at his home.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 16, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Greenville, 310 S. Second St. Funeral services will follow, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the church. Assalley-Young Funeral Home in Greenville is assisting the family.
Mr. Younker was born June 21, 1941, in Centralia, to James S. and Virginia (Myers) Younker, Sr. He married Jo, and she survives.
He graduated from Centralia High School in 1959. He then attended Kaskaskia College, moving onto Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where he did his undergraduate work. He then obtained his master’s degree at Purdue.
Mr. Younker and his wife moved to the Greenville area –from Centralia–almost 59 years ago in August 1963.
He began teaching at Greenville High School and taught for 31 years. After teaching, he worked at the Highland Radio Shack until its closing. He then went to the Greenville Radio Shack and worked there for many years. Additionally, he worked the water patrol on Greenville Lake for several summers.
Mr. Younker did computer work at home as a hobby, as well as woodworking and gardening. He was the treasurer for the First United Methodist Church, loved gospel music and sang in the church choir.
He was a faithful, dedicated and loving family man who had a keen eye for detail and being meticulous. He delighted in spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by them and all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Younker is survived by his son, Paul (Lisa) Younker of Greenville; daughter, Kelly (Joe) Richardson of Greenville; grandchildren, Seth Younker of St. Louis, MO, Emma (Michael) Howard of Detroit, MI, and Joseph Richardson of Greenville; great-grandchildren, Izabella Howard, Mikey Howard and Moriah Howard, all of Detroit, MI; brother, John (Mary Alice) Younker of Mt. Zion; sister-in-law, Becky Younker of St. Charles, MO; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Robert Younker.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church in Greenville.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com.
