James David Yanke, 67, of Hawthorne, Florida passed away on Saturday March 18th, 2023 at the E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville, Florida after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Burial service will be held at the Forest Meadows East Cemetery on Saturday March 25th, 2023 at 10:30am.
James was born in Miami, Florida to Donald A. Yanke and Martha Daffin Yanke on July 27th, 1955. James received his GED on November 2nd, 1981. He worked as an electrician at Shands at the University of Florida and later retired as a generator maintenance technician from the School Board of Alachua County in 2013.
He spent his childhood boating with his father and three brothers. Later in his youth his passion turned to motorcycles and anything mechanical. He moved to North Central Florida and met the love of his life, Alicia Hill. They married in 1978 in Hawthorne. In 1988, James’s daughter Carrie was born and he found the second love of his life. He enjoyed being outside and staying busy with his machines. He loved helping his family and friends with almost anything.
James is preceded in death by his beloved wife Alicia Yanke and parents Donald and Martha Yanke.
James is survived by his loving daughter Carrie Chalmers (Jay), grandson David Chalmers, and brothers Ray, Robert and Donald Yanke, as well as nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL, 32606.
The Family asks that friends of the family to join them, Thereafter; graveside services in a celebration of life at The Chalmers House 5203 NW 47th Lane Gainesville, FL 32606
Arrangements are under the care of the Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32609, (352) 378-2528.
Carrie, I am so sorry to hear this. His pain and suffering is over and he can now walk hand in hand with your mom once again. Prayers for you all, may God fill the emptiness in your hearts.
Sending condolences to Donald & brothers& family: My heart is saddened hearing of James be in by in Gods care: James was part of our family, he was at our house almost every day in Miami. He was such a good caring man. I & our family will forever have him @ his daughter in our hearts. May he rest in peace. All our love & prayers.
Carrie, I know what a difficult road this was. You handled yourself with grace. I know your dad is proud of how brave you were. Sending love and light to you and your family. ❤️
Carrie,
I am so sorry for your loss. When I came to Ocala to get my AA, Ray and Jimmy were so incredibly kind to me. I’ll always remember that and I’ll always regret that I didn’t make it down to FL in time to see him one more time. Love, prayers, and my deepest condolences.
Carrie, we are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and family during this time. May God give you all peace that he is now pain free.
Your WKRG family mourns your loss, and our prayers are with you.
Carrie,
I’m so sorry about your Dad. What a great guy!!! I’m his cousin Denise, we grew up together and I just talked to him after the hurricane, he called to check on us. I’m sending love and prayers and I share in your grief. He was very special ♥️
R.IP. James,
Love and hugs of comfort for your family .
I was hoping to be well enough to meet you and your son, as well to reconnect with Ray and Donnie having known them since 1973. Unfortunately my sickness will not permit it.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I always enjoyed watching your Dad’s Face light up and his Smile grow just before talking about You and his Grandson ! You know you two were the sunlight in his life. I will miss him as my friend, like many others here will.
.