Iceman Team loses Chief, mentor Published Sept. 9, 2008 By Compiled from staff reports 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Chief Master Sgt. James A. Young, 50, Eielson AFB Alaska, passed away Sept. 6, 2008, after a long and valiant battle with cancer at Basset Army Medical Center, Fairbanks, Alaska. Born Aug. 8, 1957, Jim grew up in Spencer, Mass., and enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1981. Chief Young is a 27-year veteran of the United States Air Force and specialized in Aircraft Armament. He was a certified munitions loader on various Air Force fighter and bomber aircraft. He deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of the first Gulf War and Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. He was proud of his Air Force career; he lived a life of service that set the example for others to follow. He retired as the 354th Fighter Wing, Wing Weapons Manager at Eielson AFB, Alaska. The Air Force has lost a true Chief, a great Airman and a good friend. Jim was medically retired in December 2007. He is a 1975 graduate of David Proudy High School in Spencer, Mass. Jim enjoyed fishing, camping and spending time in the outdoors with his wife Angie and two dogs, Petey and Jack. He leaves his wife of 18 years, Senior Master Sgt. Angela M. (Oldenburg) Young, USAF, from Galena, Ill. He also leaves four sisters, Jeannine Bengtson of Spencer, Mass., Patricia M. Cloutier of Houston, Texas, Charlotte M. Young of South Salem, N.Y., Kathryn Payne of Spencer, Mass., and several nieces, nephews and good friends who will dearly miss him. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Arthur E. Young and mother, Lorraine B. (Lacaire) Young of Spencer, Mass. A funeral mass will be held at 1 p.m Sept. 13, in Our Lady of the Snows chapel on Eielson AFB. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 12 at the chapel. A memorial service will be held in Spencer, Mass., followed by a Funeral mass and burial in Galena, Ill., at a date yet to be determined. Donations may be made to the Non Commissioned Officers Association, Medical Fund, 10635 IH 35 N, San Antonio, Texas 78233 or by calling (800) 662-2620.