About Us

With the wisdom and guidance of his father, Rufus Hill Younger, and his mother, Mary Mildred Younger, James Melvin Younger, Sr., became a self-made, self-assured, and selfless individual. As the youngest o four siblings-Mildred C. Hailey, Rufus H. Younger, Jr, and Thelma L. Patterson-James was deepl influenced ou the values instilled bu his parente. In honor of his father and role model, he seeks

Rufus Younger was born in Mississippi, James in Missouri, and Rupustan hotte, aised James in Massachusetts. Under his fathers duidance. James learned the importance of faith, hard work, and devotion to familv and friends. Botk father and son served honorably in the U.S. Navy, but it was hi. unwavering work and freedesy thing his dad id that left a lasting in care for Jastas. Rufus wrked earnestly and tirelesslv across many lobs-including custodial roles-to care for his family. He instilled in James the belief that no job is too humble or too high if approached with dedication and pride.

Following his father’s example, James set and achieved his career goals, trail as Assistant to the Deputy Mayor in the City of Boston and later retiring as Director of Contract Compliance at the Environmental Protection Agency. A devoted father himself, James and his deceased former wife, Margaret, raised heir children: Sheila Younger-Halliman, Deborah Younger Mitchell, Marie Blackburn, Jamila Carter, and James Younger, II. James was an avid reader, had access to the GI Bill for higher education. He chose to obtain most of his learning through life lessons and on-the job training so he could simultaneously provide for his family. The foundation he laid for the family ensured that all hie children attended college. And, many of their offspring and extended family chose an array of educational paths to achieve and advance their livelihoods.

Known affectionately as “Papa” by his grandchildren as was his dad by his, James and his father shared a love of haseball and fishing. They enjoyed many outdoor activities. Both men were admired leaders by their communities. James, following his father’s advice to “go and get yours,” received numerous professional and personal awards and accolades as he ventured to make a life of his own. He not onese any chalenging work positions, but also in sports like basketball, bowling, softbal, and tennis. He is a Coach and mentor to many, valuing education, integrity, and excellence in all pursuits. The mission of this scholarship fund is to honor these values instilled in James by his father and support future generations in their academic, professional, and business journeys, including the arts, technology, and other vocations.