JAMES EDGAR YAKE

YAKE, James Edgar – Of Grand Blanc, age 82, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, after a battle with cancer. He was surrounded in life and in death by his family, who loved him dearly. It would be wrong to say that Jim lost his battle because he never stopped fighting. Through him we know what resilience, strength and love truly look like. Though it was a hard battle, he fought bravely to give his family the gift of time.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. Cremation Burial to occur at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery in Alpena.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 5005 McCandlish Road, Grand Blanc, Pastor Dennis Himm officiating. Service will be followed by a luncheon for family and friends.

Jim was born in Alpena on Feb. 11, 1942, the son of John Yake and Madeline (Poirier) Yake. Jim attended trade school for electrical engineering and started his career at McDonnell Douglas Corporation where he helped build electronic systems for military aircraft. He was drafted multiple times to the Vietnam War, but it was determined his service here was more important. He later moved back to Michigan and spent the majority of his career working for Z-Weigh and later Kanawha Scales.

He married his wife, Judy, on June 28, 1975, and they enjoyed 46 years of marriage together. He loved his family deeply and would do anything for them. He often sacrificed his own wants so his family would benefit. Jim was happiest spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing. Jim was a smart, hardworking, and tough man that overcame many obstacles in this life. He will be remembered for his dedication and love for his family and always coming to the rescue when he was needed. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather and will be deeply missed.

Surviving are his children, James Yake (Melissa), Ruthann Gatica (Alex) and Melody Tesler (Patrick); and his grandchildren, Daniel, Maraya, Patrick, Asher, Evelyn, Eliana, Naomi and Natalie.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Yake, his father and mother, John and Madeline Yake; twin brother, John Yake and daughter, Tiffany Yake.

Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com