John Meritt Young

Celebrating The Homegoing of John M. Young. March 16, 1922 - April 16, 2008. Obituary - John M. Young: John Meritt Young was born March 16, 1922 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The youngest of eight, he was the son of Christopher and Alberta Young. Seeking a better life when John was six years old, Alberta Young and the family migrated to Chicago, Illinois. Due to the dedication of Alberta Young all of the family enjoyed levels of success in Chicago. John graduated from DuSable High School in 1939. With his love and talent for the piano, he began his career as a jazz musician. He traveled all over the United States with big bands. He had his own trio, 'The John Young Trio', for many years. John is best noted in the jazz circles of Chicago as 'Young John Young'. John issued three albums throughout his career, and recorded with many famous musicians and singers of his time. Dedicated to his profession, he played until his mid 80's. John was a dedicated member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. His active service to the church began at the young age of ten. Music and church service played a large role in John's life. John preceded the death of his siblings: two sisters ~ Alice and Annie; five brothers ~ Cliff, Dave, James, Mike and Roy. John leaves his loving wife: Jessie of fifty-four years of marriage. John leaves his only son ~ Alan who currently resides in Texas. John leaves three grandchildren ~ Kym, Chris and Jeff. He leaves two great grandchildren ~ Yogin and Baylee. He leaves nephews and nieces ~ Reginald, Tracy, James, William, Percy and John. Blessed are the living. 'Everything is Mellow'. Services: Wednesday, April 23, 2008. Visitation 10:00 AM, Funeral 11:00 AM. Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 4501 S. Vincennes Ave., Chicago, IL. Rev. Bernard D. Newell, Officiating; Chapel Musician - Organist. Order of Service: Organ Prelude 'Amazing Grace'; Processional; Invocation - Rev. Bernard D. Newell; Scripture - Old Testament (Psalm 23), New Testament (Revelation 21:1-5); Prayer; Selection/Solo 'How Great Thou Art' - Joe Mukes; Acknowledgements of Cards and Telegrams - Sister Georgia Coleman; Remarks; Resolutions - Brother Thomas Wilson; Obituary (Silent); Solo - Joe Mukes; Eulogy - Rev. Bernard D. Newell; Benediction - Aaron Campbell; Recessional 'Precious Lord'. Interment: Oak Woods Cemetery, 1035 E. 67th Street, Chicago, Illinois, immediately following services. Repast: Gallery Guichard, 3521 So. King Drive, Chicago, Illinois. Pallbearers: Reginald Young, Deacons of Ebenezer M.B. Church, Aaron Campbell. Arrangements entrusted to Leak and Sons Funeral Chapels, 7838 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619. (Note: Several loose pages grouped with this document - a general 'Order of Service' page naming Rev. Eddie Shields, Sharon White and Rev. Charles Maclin, and a pallbearers page naming Keith L. Brown Sr., the Thomas family and the Walker family with interment at Lincoln Cemetery - belong to a different obituary and are not part of John M. Young's roster.)