James Young Obituary

James C. Young, or to those who know him well, Fizzer, was born in 1938, in Shamrock, Texas, to Wesley Monroe Young and Minnie Mae (Nail) Young. He died on May 4, 2025, at age 86.
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His family exited Texas during the Dust Bowl and moved to Arvin, California. He became a steadfast Arvinite, loving and serving this community.
He graduated from Arvin High School and served as the Associated Student Body President. He then graduated from Bakersfield Jr. College with an A.A., Pasadena Nazarene College with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics, USC with a Master's in Mathematics/Education, and an Ed.D. in Statistics/Testing and Measurement/Research Design from USC. He worked in the field of Educational Testing and Research for
Post-Doctorate education at Princeton University and the University of Maryland.
Early in his career, he taught at several schools: Verdugo Hills High School, California Institute of Technology, and Arvin High School. He gladly returned to Arvin and was proud that he and Calvin Meek were the first Arvin graduates to return to teach there. He enjoyed coaching football, baseball, and wrestling in his early years at these schools.
He moved from the classroom to administration, first joining the Kern High School District Office in the field of testing. He held various positions before he moved to Kern Community College as an Assistant Chancellor. He ended his career as the Chancellor, serving 21 years in that capacity. He worked tirelessly for the students in the Kern Community College District. He led the way in refurbishing the Bakersfield College sports stadium. Campuses were added in Mammoth and Bishop during his tenure. Most recently, the Arvin campus of Bakersfield College was opened, and the library was dedicated to him.
In addition, he taught classes for Brigham Young University, Taft College, Bakersfield State University, and Fresno State University. He lectured for the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas, Austin, and worked on the Performing Arts Center for the College of the Canyons.
He served on the Board of Directors, International Community College; California Community Colleges, Commission on Innovations, Facilities; Executive Council of California Community Colleges; California Chief Executive Officers, Board of Directors; Kern County Autism Center, Board of Directors. And, he was a candidate for the 16th Senatorial District.
He was active in the Arvin Alumni Association, raising scholarship money through the annual golf tournament. Each year, he wrote recommendations for students seeking scholarships, several of whom won the prestigious Gates scholarship. He championed the federal Dream Act and helped the community understand the law.
He volunteered at Arvin High School for ten years with the We the People program. He enjoyed teaching students and was proud to work hard serving them. The team competed nationally in 2013, winning "Best of the West."
Fizzer loved his family and friends, as demonstrated by his planning annual backpack trips and time at the cabin. He enjoyed stream fishing with friends and grandsons and deep-sea fishing in later years. Many acts of service marked his life. He helped his family move and gave much of his vacation time to remodeling homes. He loved playing music and sharing a meal. He was admired for his openness to strangers and connection with people from many cultures.
He will be missed by his family, of 65 years, Ruth, and his three children, Beth (Dave), Kevin (Charlotte), and Lynnet, his grandchildren Sarah (Manish), Amanda (Kevin), Waylon (Megan), Hank (Summer), and Andy, and his great-grandchildren, Ada, Ezra, Caleb, Rowan, Emeth, Elianna, and Camilla, along with the extended family who loved him.
He has worked hard, been generous, and cared deeply for his family and the people in his beloved community.
His service is on Monday, May 12, 1:30 p.m. at the West Chester Event Center, 2801 F St., Bakersfield.
In place of flowers, you may donate to a cause near his heart: scholarships for students. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/youngfamilyscholarship/
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