James W. Young, Jr. (“Jim”) passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, with his family at his side. Jim was born in Port Henry, New York, on November 25, 1934. He attended Ticonderoga High School, where he was an all-star, four-letter athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track. During his senior year, after his father was injured while working at International Paper Company, Jim left school to work there to help provide for his family. While working, he earned his GED diploma.
It was during this time that Jim met the love of his life and his rock, Nancy Joan Stock, at an island party on Lake George. After a long courtship, they were married on February 22, 1964, in Summit, New Jersey, and honeymooned in Nassau, Bahamas.
After 13 years with International Paper, Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase a building on Montcalm Street in Ticonderoga, where he opened Montcalm Liquors. Soon afterward, he acquired the adjacent lot and built The Country Store, a meat market and deli. After 20 successful years, he sold both businesses and began Ticonderoga Remodeling, which was later renamed Silver Bay Construction. Silver Bay Construction flourished and, at the time, became the largest residential builder in the Hague and Ticonderoga area, completing numerous projects, primarily along the western shore of Lake George between Bolton Landing and Ticonderoga. Jim retired in 2005.
Throughout his life, Jim was deeply committed to his community. He was a former president of the Ticonderoga Kiwanis Club and served in the 186th Armored Field Artillery of the New York National Guard. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Ticonderoga Country Club and a 40-year member of the Hague Volunteer Fire Department, where he served 12 years as Fire Chief and also served on the Board of Directors. He was a member of the Warren County Fire Advisory Board, served as a Warren County Deputy Sheriff in the Marine Patrol Division on Lake George, and was a board member of Grace Memorial Chapel on Sabbath Day Point.
Jim was also a member of the Ticonderoga Elks Club, a 60-year member of the Bloomer Valley Hunting Club, and a member of the Plymouth Rifle and Gun Club. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and was an accomplished snowmobile racer.
Jim’s service to others extended far beyond formal titles and organizations. He was the kind of person friends, neighbors, and members of the community knew they could count on. Whether someone needed advice, a helping hand, a repair, a favor, or simply someone dependable to show up, Jim was there. He gave generously of his time, skills, and energy, and he took quiet pride in helping those around him.
Above all, Jim loved his family. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Caroline, Katie, and Charles, and treasured the time he spent with them. He followed their lives with great interest and pride, and his love for them was steady, deep, and unmistakable.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his son, Jim W. Young III, and his wife, Donna, and their children, Caroline and Katie; his son, Steve Young, and his wife, Beth, and their child, Charles; and his daughter, Lauren Patten, and her spouse, Mike.
Jim will be remembered for his strength, determination, entrepreneurial spirit, service to his community, devotion to his friends and neighbors, and, above all, his deep love for his family.
The family will communicate separately any arrangements to be held in his remembrance.