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Jim’s
favorite photo of his wife and himself, speaks
volumes to his character, as he loving
gazes at his wife instead of the
camera lens.
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James Youngker
Citizen of the Year
James Youngker will be named Citizen of the Year at the Versailles Area
Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet this Monday, January
18. The Awards Committee was made aware of Mr. Youngker’s
countless contributions and tireless dedication to the Versailles
community by nomination letters. His lifelong community service
helped shape the Versailles area in the 1950’s - 60’s and beyond.
Jim is a veteran of the United States Air Force having served as an
assistant engineer on a B-24 in the Airdrome squad, during World War
II. After the war he continued as crew chief on a C-47 making
flights to the island of Manila, before returning to the Versailles
community.
Mr. Youngker worked at Poultry Producers before the war and returned
after his discharge. Later he became manager of Amstutz Hatchery
in Versailles and eventually worked at Weaver Bros. for 52 years as
their nutritionist. Jim participated on numerous poultry panels
and councils and has been recognized by the Ohio Poultry Association
with the “Agricultural Achievement Award” for his contributions to the
industry.
Jim is one of the founding fathers of the Versailles Poultry Days
Festival, having served as chairman in 1966. He dedicated 20
years towards the development and continuity of the Poultry Days
Community Festival.
Jim was an original member of the Versailles Rotary Club, formed his
church’s softball league, served on the founding committees to
establish the Versailles Swimming Pool facility, the inception of
Little League baseball in Versailles, the filming of VHS football games
(training films) for more than 20 years for coaches John Lantz and Al
Hetrick. Youngker confesses to missing 2 games in that 20 year
span and in 1990 received an award for “Best Team Photographer”.
Mr. & Mrs. Youngker reside on Conover Road and will celebrate 70
years of wedlock in June. They have a son Steve and a daughter
Beverly Rhoades, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
MORE BACKGROUND: Mr. Youngker served on committees with many notable
Versailles businessmen such as, C.F. Poeppelman, George Weaver, J.D.
Weaver, Ralph Mumaw, Tom Magoto, Ralph Berger, Dr. Willard Barga, and
Ralph Strum. He fondly remembers meeting Chet Huntley and David
Brinkley and proudly recalls the first state baseball championship in
1965 and many of the players: Dan Simon, John Griesdorn, Rick
Berger, Jerry Stammen, Jim Stammen, Mike McClurg, Larry Roll, Tom Hole,
Jim Groff, Frank McEldowney, Cary Miller, Bill Groff, Jerry Klenke,
Lynn Gessler, Doug Barga, Tom Kramer and Paul Trittschuh.
The dinner banquet will be held Monday, January 18th at the Riviera
Banquet Room, Stillwater Valley Golf Course. The banquet is open
to the public and is a great social mixer for community business
members and residents. A cash bar will open at 5:30 pm with
dinner served at 6:15 pm. A brief business meeting for the
purpose of reports and elections of directors will follow the
dinner. In addition to the Citizen of the Year service award the
Versailles Diamond Club will be presented with the
People-Pride-Progress award. Those interested in attending the
banquet must order tickets by calling or texting 417-4752 or
fred@cpoeppelman.com.
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