James Arthur Young III

James “Jay” A. Young, III, 80, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born to James and Janet Young at Fort Monmouth, N.J., in 1946. Growing up, he made up for his lack of athletic skills with his intelligence, exceptional musical talents, including trumpet and French horn, and by becoming an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Harvey Mudd College with a Bachelor of Science in Physics before serving in the US Army, Field Artillery. Following his service, Jay returned to Seattle and married Merrilee Conway in 1983. He worked for Boeing until his retirement in 2011, at which time they moved to Bainbridge Island. 

Jay was smart, kind, patient, and witty. Jay was extraordinary in many ways, including being a devoted husband of 43 years to Merrilee and an incredibly loving father to his adoptive children, Ross and Mia. He enjoyed practicing Tai Chi, cooking, music, playing guitar, traveling, and, despite the constant letdowns, he was a loyal Mariners fan. Jay was a loving G-pa to his grand fur babies, Ren and Dio. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered. 

Jay is preceded in death by his parents, James and Janet Young. He is survived by his wife, Merrilee Conway; his son and daughter, Ross and Mia Young; cat, Guinness; sister, Margaret (Brian) Hansche; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Frank) Fisher and Sally (Nels Royer) Banfill; brother-in-law, Steve (Eileen Young) Banfill; nieces and nephews, Becki, Eric, Jonathan, Jamie, Kaitlin, Jen, and Juliet.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in 2027.

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA