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BORN
1946
DIED
2012
Jim Yacknow Obituary
June 16, 1946
January 25, 2012
Jim passed away peacefully on January 25th. Born in Cleveland, Ohio to James and Rita Yacknow he had lived in Reno for the past 43 years.
As a young man Jim excelled in athletics. He graduated from Benedictine High School in Cleveland as class valedictorian and also earned All-Ohio honors in both football and baseball. After receiving numerous scholarship offers he choose to attend the University of Notre Dame. Jim played two season for the University football team before signing to play professional baseball for the Cleveland Indians. In 1967 Jim played for the class A affiliate Reno Silver Sox and then promoted to play for the AA Waterbury Indians. After his playing career had ended he then went on to become the General Manager for the Reno Silver Sox. In 1973 he then joined Sierra Pacific Power Company were he would work for over 36 years and had recently retired.
Although Jim had many accomplishments in his life his greatest gift and joy was his family. He was kind and gentle. A big man that could never say no and the best Papa a grandchild could have. He will be greatly missed.
Jim is survived by his wife Ann Yacknow of Reno, son Willie (Susan) Yacknow of Fairlawn, OH., daughter Libby (Dan) Lawson of Pryor, Okla., and grandchildren Benjamin, Anna, Sara Ann, Rachael, Gracie and Danny.
The family would also like to express a very warm and heartfelt thank you to the staff at St. Mary's Hospital and Life Care Center of Reno. A private family service will be held and in lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Joshua L. Anderson memorial foundation P.O. Box 19298 Reno, Nv. 89511
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jim Yacknow
Libby applen
June 14, 2022
I love my dad so much and I miss you so very much
Jack Dienes
September 24, 2012
To the Yacknow family, I graduated from Benedictine a year after Jim. He was a great inspiration to me as a player and a person. Someone I quietly admired and looked up to. I was honored to be a teammate of his. May god bless his soul.
Peter Cardello
August 14, 2012
Jim, We all miss you. Give our regards to Eddie Beskid and Coach Augie.
Pete Cardello
August 13, 2012
To the Yacknow family, I remember playing football with Jim
at Benedictine with nothing but fond memories. I am saddened by his passing more than words can express. Jim was the Model Benedictine Man if ever there was one. I am proud to have shared part of his life for four years. Rest in peace Big Jim.
Pete Cardello "64
May 30, 2012
The first time I met Jim was on the way to freshman football practice. Mr. Beskid drove his son Ed and I to practice and on the way picked up a friend. This guy towered over me and I still think he had a five o'clock shadow that day. Jim and I were trying out for the same position. I have good memories of our days at Benedictine.
Thom Amersbach '64
Joe Palagyi
May 29, 2012
To the Family of my High School Buddy: The times we spent together on the Gridiron, all the hours of practicing at Kingsbury Run. Diamond #5 at Woodland Hills Park, and the Ohio State High School Championship game in Columbus Ohio. The Charity Game of 1963 against Ignatius, The Senior Prom we doubled together, and the fun we had at the Brown Derby Restaurant. The games of pool at the Cloverleaf Bowling Alley, and the pick up basketball and handball games at the YMCA. The free coca-colas at Jr's Tavern, and how worried I was when you missed a game due to injury your Senior year. The greatest of all coaches, teamates and friends we shared a lifetime ago will mark your true character as one I remember as Buddy. Say hello to Augie for me Jim, you have always had a place in my Heart and Soul.
Joe Palagyi
Benedictine 64
May 25, 2012
May 25,2012
May the sorrow in our hearts help find comfort to Jim's loving Family.
The summer and high school years Jim played ball in Cleveland, never did he seek out the limelight, but the limelight certainly found Him....
All Good Wishes,
John Sanders '64
May 25, 2012
Deepest regrets on a loss that is felt by all. I always was honored to step onto the same playing field with Jim here at Benedictine. Please accept the condolences of the school community.
With fond memories,
Tony Russ, '66
Athletic Director
May 24, 2012
To the Yacknow Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy over the loss of Jim. I was a sophmore at Benedictine High School when Jim was a Senior, and even though I did not know him personally, words cannot express my sorrow over his early passing.
We all felt awe in watching Jim play football and baseball. He carried himself with a quiet, humble confidence, yet he was a ferocious defensive end; unblockable almost all of the time. And I can still remember watching Jim launch baseballs over the light towers at Gordon Park, some saying a few measured 450 feet.
Yet above all, he was a Benedictine Man, so I am confident that he was a Man of God and a great family man.
I was hoping to formally meet Jim at his enshrinement into the Benedictine Hall of Fame, but unfortunately, he was unable to attend.
RIP Jim.
Respectfully,
Tom Rudar
BHS Class of '66
Chardon, Ohio
April 28, 2012
jim was a class act and humble with a lot of wit and intelligence. I will miss him. Mike Martin
Wayne and Kathy Adams
March 31, 2012
Jim,
We all miss you and remember the days of water skiing at Donner Lake. You popped up from a deep-water startand somebody said" that looks like Mr. Clean"
I played golf with Wille a couple of times times hes' a fine young man and you did a great job.
Mitch Larralde
February 4, 2012
May he rest in peace.....hope all is well Annie........
Gayel Anderson
February 1, 2012
Jim was the funniest most caring person I have ever worked with here at NV Energy. There hasn't been a day gone by that he hasn't entered into my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to miss him tremondously!! May God bless your family and know that you all will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. With Love!!
Duane
February 1, 2012
As I read about Jim's passing I remember his smile and his friendly personality. Jim left a mark and he will be missed.
Alyssa Ochs
January 31, 2012
My heart goes out to you guys and think of you all the time. So sad to hear about this. Alyssa Ochs -Reno nv
Leslie Hurley
January 31, 2012
Dear Ann and family-we are so sad to learn of your loss. May God comfort you, and know how much we love you.
frank & Joan bussa
January 31, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of Jims passing,,our thoughts and prayers are with you---Joan & Frank Bussa
Carol Patterson
January 31, 2012
I retired from nv energy February 2009, Jim retired a few months later We worked in the same department for a few years just b4 I retired; Jim was always so helpful and a joy to work with. I am sorry for your loss.
David Miller
January 31, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Jim at Sierra Pacific for many years. He was always very kind and hard working. I am sorry for your loss.
Maria McMillen
January 31, 2012
I'm so sad to hear about Jim. You are all in my thoughts...I have so many great memories of the fun times we had! XO Maria McMillen
January 31, 2012
May you and your family find comfort in God, the "Hearer of prayer", during this difficult time. (Psalms 65:2)
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