James W. "Jim'' Younkin, 83, of Owensdale (Upper Tyrone Township), passed away Saturday morning, April 8, 2000, at Frick Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. Jim was born Dec. 1, 1916, in Owensdale, a son of the late Herman S. and Audith Keller Younkin.

Jim was a longtime employee with U.S. Steel, Irvin Works Division, having retired with over 30 years of service. He was a member of the Owensdale United Methodist Church and was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Marion Lodge #562 F&AM, the Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, the Tall Cedars and the Pittsburgh Consistory. Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II in the 4th Armored Division. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and among his many military decorations was the Bronze Star. He was an avid hunter in earlier years and was a graduate of Scottdale High School.

Jim is survived by his loving and caring family, including two sisters-in-law, Dorothy ``Dot'' Younkin of Scottdale and Dorothy J. Younkin of Somerset; a brother-in-law, George C. Fretts of Scottdale; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Kathleen Sethman of Scottdale. Jim was the last surviving member of the Herman and Audith Younkin family. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Eleanor M. Fretts, in 1996; and two brothers, Herman S. ``Sam'' Younkin, in 1985, and Irvin K. Younkin, in 1984.

Family and friends will be received at the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale, (724) 887-5300, e-mail: rferg a1usa.net, Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. David A. Lee officiating. Graveside committal services and interment will follow in the Scottdale Cemetery with full military honors bestowed by the American Legion Post #446 of Mt. Pleasant. The Marion Masonic Lodge #562 will conduct a memorial service Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home.

[James W., Herman Sanford, Irvin, Rev. Harmon, John J., Jacob, Henrich]