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James T. Yaklin
Born: 5/13/1939
Died: 6/29/2019
Age: 80
Community: New Lothrop, MI
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James Theodore Yaklin, age 80, peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by family on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Jim was born on May 13, 1939, in Owosso, MI, to Theodore and Ellen (Flynn) Yaklin.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan (Pochyly) Yaklin. He was a wonderful and dedicated father to James John (Denise) Yaklin. A loving Grandfather to Alex (fiancé Laura Taylor), Victoria, and Grace Yaklin.
James was a dedicated husband, proud father and grandfather, hard-worker, and life-long farmer. Known as Jim, Dad, and Pepa to the grandchildren, he always affectionately greeted everyone with “How you doing?” or “Hello There!”, together with a big smile. He was also a person that always found a way to say “yes”, helping all those who were lucky enough to come into his life.
Mom and Dad did everything together. Even when Dad traveled for GM and union business, Mom always rode along for support. Mom rode shotgun and crocheted scrubbies without missing a stitch, and they would stop along the way and shop for antiques and look at farm equipment. After retirement, they spent every February in Orlando, Florida, visiting with old friends and, of course,making new ones. At home, after breakfast they would go outside and start working in the yard or around the farm, and perhaps after a short break for “dinner” at noon, they would stay outside until dark. For several years, Dad was also the substitute mailman for New Lothrop. Mom would sort the mail to allow him to get some rest, then she would drive and Dad would fill the mailboxes.
As a father and grandfather, he was determined that Jimmy and the grandkids would have every opportunity possible. From accordion lessons to sports, band, and college, he wanted the best for each of them. Jimmy played the trumpet, and there wasn’t a Mike Jurecka Orchestra polka performance that he missed. Jim regularly worked second shift, so when Jimmy was in college in Flint, he would leave work at lunch time so he and Jimmy could eat and spend time together.
Just like his father before him, and now his son, James was both a farmer and worked for General Motors. He started out after marriage helping others farm, until he could save money to first rent then buy some land and equipment of his own. His wife and son still don’t know when he found any time to rest, seemingly working around the clock.
After retirement, he would still receive numerous phone calls regarding union business on a daily basis. Untold surviving spouses would call him to seek guidance for obtaining benefits, and he would guide them with the utmost patience. Those that followed him in union leadership roles would call him for insight and coaching. Following him in a management role at GM, Jimmy was amazed at how many GM executives would go out of their way to tell him that Jim was “the best and fairest” union representative they had ever worked with. He understood that while representing the rank and file, it was also his responsibility to make sure the company would remain successful. He innately knew how to ensure a “win/win” solution.
Jim will be dearly missed by his sisters Mary Ellen Wendling and Elaine (Ron) Krupp, and his brothers Thomas (Andrea) Yaklin and Michael Yaklin. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosemary and brother-in-law George Wendling. Jim also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
As husband, dad, Grandpa and Pepa, he will forever remain in our hearts. We, as your family, will miss you but find some comfort knowing how much love you gave us all and rely on the memories that we made along the way. You will always walk beside each of us.
Jim’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00am on July 3, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Owosso, MI. A luncheon will be served after mass, and then burial at Elmwood Cemetery in New Lothrop, MI. Joan, his wife, and Jim, his son, will be receiving family and friends at Nelson-House Funeral Homes New Lothrop Chapel on Tuesday, July 2, beginning at 2 pm. A rosary service will begin at 8 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to any of these charities that Jim supported: WOES (The Polka Palace) and the New Lothrop/Hazelton Township Fire Department. |
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7/2/2019 |
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2:00 PM |
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| Funeral Service |
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7/3/2019 |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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Nelson-House Funeral Home
120 E. Mason Street
Owosso, MI 48867Get a Map to this location...
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