Mr James Peter David Yakas

James Peter David Yakas (Jim), husband, father, “Toto”, brother, uncle, and friend entered into eternal rest on February 24th in his home in San Francisco. Jim was born in Staten Island, New York on October 22nd, 1947. He moved to San Francisco with his family in 1950. He attended Bret Harte Elementary School, Pelton Junior High, and graduated from Lowell High School in 1966. In 1970, Jim graduated from the MEBA Marine Engineering School. That same year he was drafted into the US Army and served for 2 years. He later joined the US Naval Reserve and served for 12 years attaining the rank of Lt Commander. While serving in the Army, he met his future wife and life partner Emilia Yakas. Emilia and Jim were married on August 12th, 1972. They were married for 42 years and had four children, Peter (Janey) , Christopher, Nicholas, and Elissa. Jim’s passion was going to sea and working as a merchant marine engineer. Jim retired, or swallowed the anchor, as a merchant marine in 2000 and began a new career as a stationary engineer at Laguna Honda Hospital. Jim worked diligently at Laguna Honda for 14 years until his death. He was preceded in death by his parents James Theodore and Mary Yakas and his sons, Christopher and Nicholas. Jim had a sense of justice, community, faithfulness, spirituality, and love for people that kept him involved in many projects. Jim was involved with the San Francisco Organizing Project, Bay Bandits walking club, Knights of Columbus, CCD, Parish usher, and Union Representative. Family was extremely important to Jim. In addition to his wife and children, Jim is survived by his grandchildren, Christopher and Aiden, his brother Andrew, his sisters Luisella and Andrea, his nephews and nieces, and of course his friends. His easy nature and engaging stories will be missed. The vigil and visitation will be held at Valente Marini Perata and Company, 4840 Mission St., San Francisco on Sunday, March 1st, 2015 at 5:00pm. The Mass of the resurrection will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 459 Somerset St., San Francisco on Monday, March 2nd, 2015 at 1:30pm. Interment to follow at Olivet Memorial Park, 1601 Hillside Blvd. Colma CA

Mr James Peter David Yakas

October 22, 1947 - February 24, 2015