James C. Yankowsky Obituary (1985

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of James C. Yankowsky, 38, on Tuesday January 2nd 2024 at his farm in Chichester, NH. He was born on January 14th 1985 in Hackensack, NJ to Donna (Lago) Kassop and James E. Yankowsky. In addition to his parents, James is survived and will be sorely missed by his brother, Erik Mark Yankowsky, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Before moving to NH in 2022, James grew up in Allendale, NJ and lived with his brother, mother, and beloved step-father Mark S. Kassop, by whom he is predeceased. Earning numerous awards for his artistic talent in high school, he went on to attend Bergen Community College, Gettysburg College, and the School of Visual Arts earning degrees in a range of fields as diverse as his interests--from Graphic Design and Horticulture, to Religions of the World and Nursing. With a lifelong passion for music, he taught himself to play guitar, piano, harmonica, and accordion. An avid weight-lifter since his 20's, James' impressive physique and physical strength were belied by his gentle and stoic demeanor. Drawn to a simpler rural lifestyle, James took up beekeeping, baking, and making art from cut wildflowers on a farm shared with his brother. With anything he set his mind to, James honed his skill with a meticulousness which left him always striving to be better, and inspired those around him to hold themselves to the same standard of excellence. James was always known for his sense of humor, admired for his discipline and vitality, and loved for the kind and honorable man he was. He will be remembered fondly and missed by the many people whose lives he touched and uplifted. Gone, but not forgotten. A burial will take place in his family's plot at St. Mary's Cemetery in Saddle Brook, NJ, after a church service at Corpus Christi RC Church and visitation at Costa Memorial Home--both in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, in the near future.