In Loving Memory of John "Jay" Young

March 3, 1984 – February 13, 2026

John Forrest Young was born on March 3, 1984, in the Bronx, New York. He departed this life leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, generosity, creativity, and compassion that will forever be remembered.

John was educated in the Utica City School District and earned his diploma from Thomas R. Proctor High School. He also pursued coursework at Mohawk Valley Community College. Throughout his life, he worked for several companies in the Utica area, where he was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to go the extra mile.

Blessed with skilled hands, John took pride in honest labor through welding and asbestos removal. Dedicated to his craft, he believed knowledge was meant to be shared. He willingly taught others, patiently passing down his skills and wisdom to help them grow and succeed.

At an early age, John accepted Christ as his Savior. His faith shaped the compassion and kindness he showed to others. In his youth, he played the drums and remained connected to his spiritual foundation, actively serving in his church and volunteering whenever help was needed for fellow members.

John was a natural leader within his family. He made it a priority to keep his siblings connected, valuing meaningful relationships and understanding the importance of unity. He brought laughter, humor, and vibrant energy into every room he entered. He often encouraged his family to strive for "pure excellence," a phrase he spoke with conviction and pride. He celebrated his siblings' accomplishments big or small and believed family bonds should be nurtured, protected, and strengthened.

A gifted storyteller, poet, and lyricist, John shared his creativity through rap, freestyle, and performances in New York City. He also loved drawing, including illustrations of biblical figures and other meaningful subjects.

John never met a stranger. With a generous heart, he was always ready to help, offering food, shelter, guidance, and support to those in need. He quietly uplifted many and freely shared knowledge—especially about navigating difficult circumstances within the legal system.

He deeply loved his two beloved fur babies Cula and Little One, who were like children to him and constant sources of comfort and joy.

John shared an unbreakable and enduring love with his mother, Dorothy, whom he affectionately called "Mama Love." Through every season of his life, she stood faithfully by his side—encouraging him, supporting him, and lifting him up in prayer. He cherished her beyond measure, and theirs was a bond only a mother and son could truly understand.

She often recalled that no matter what challenges he faced, if you asked John how he was doing, his answer was always the same: "Excellent." Regardless of the circumstances, he chose optimism. That unwavering positive spirit carried him through even the most difficult chapters of his life.

John leaves to cherish in his memory his loving parents, Dorothy "Mama Love" and David Mathis; his two beloved daughters; his siblings, Makeda(Kai) Mallea, Daniel Young, Jelani Johnson, Corey Mathis, Denise (Germaine) Hurst, and Doreen Mathis; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Freddie Mae Thompson.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that John's faith has brought him eternal peace and that he lived with determination, accomplishing the things he set out to achieve. His life reminds us that love given freely is never lost—it lives on in every life it touches.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Kingdom Harvest Apostolic Church, 706 N. Madison St., Rome, New York 13440. Calling hours will begin at 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m.  A livestream of the service will be available for those who are unable to attend in person via the church's Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Kingdom-Harvest-Apostolic-Church-100069755453694/

Arrangements are under the guidance of John L Matt Funeral Home, Chadwicks,NY. To send an online greeting go to :www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com

Friends and family are warmly invited to remain afterward for a reception held in John's honor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Rover's Do Over: Animal Rescue, Dog Adoption, Central New York . Envelopes will be available at the church.