James Melvin Younkin Jr., 74, of Springville, Utah passed away on September 25, 2024 at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah. He was married to Deborah and survived by his children and step-children: Cori, James, Naomi, Courtney, Christopher, Alex, Joshua, Rebekah, Kathy, Peter, and Angela, as well as his twenty-seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his son, Colin. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having served a mission in Fresno, California, and was sealed to his wife, Deborah, in the Draper Utah Temple in 2017.

He worked as an adept auto mechanic for forty-five years, first specializing in Volkswagens and then becoming an expert in Japanese auto repair. Jim loved to serve those around him, family and friends alike, and imparted as much wisdom as he could to anyone in need. He played as hard as he worked, enjoying many hobbies such as playing board and card games with his family, jewelry and candle-making, and frequented the local movie theater as often as he could. Jim was a collector of many things: VW models and paraphernalia, family photos, and camping/climbing gear, but most of all he collected friendships. He had friendships that spanned across the world and across his lifetime. People were what he cherished most in his life. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him, and his stories and memory will live in our hearts. As his son, Alex, once said of him: If love was currency, this man would be filthy rich.

Services will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 2557 S Dalton Dr, Springville, Utah 84663. Viewing will be from 11am to 12:30pm, followed by a funeral service at 1pm. Burial will be at 2:30pm and take place at Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 S 400 E, Springville, Utah, 84663.