James Edwin "Boss" Yach

Yach, James Edwin "Boss'

July 19, 1947-

June 6, 2014

James Edwin "Boss" Yach was born in Stevens Point, Wis., the youngest son of Edwin and Ramona Yach. He spent his childhood with his siblings, older brother Thomas, and younger sisters, Ruth and Jane. His sister, Kathleen died in infancy. He attended Pacelli Catholic High School, where and was a state championship wrestler, football player, stellar and accomplished student-athlete. After, he attended the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, where he majored in Spanish and received a minor in education. It was here that he met his beloved wife of 45 years, Suzanne, at age 19. He taught at Assumption Catholic High School, coaching wrestling and football. He helped coach the players to the State Football Championship at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis., November 10, 1973, where Assumption beat Milwaukee Marquette 12-10, and welcomed his first daughter, Heather Sunshine, the same year. Upon relocating to South Florida in the mid 70's, he began a teaching career at Cooper City High School and was the wrestling coach. He welcomed his second daughter, Katie Holly, in 1976. He took a brief break from teaching and went into the international real estate business and was instrumental in building several prominent local restaurants. He obtained his Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and returned to teaching and mentoring. He taught at Norcrest Elementary, McNab Elementary and Pompano Beach Middle before arriving at his prized Fort Lauderdale High School and Fort Lauderdale Community School, where he spent the last 25 years. He taught Spanish and served as the peer counseling coordinator, taught GED and ESOL and passed several summers teaching maximum security inmates at the Broward County Jail. During Homecoming Week he was celebrated with "Boss Yach" day, where his students would dress up like him. He was fundamental in establishing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and sponsored the First Priority Christian Student Organization and coached boys and girls golf. In 1996, he was Broward County's Adult Education Teach of the Year and served as a mentor to countless adult and high school students. Not only was he an icon at Fort Lauderdale High School but an icon of Christian service to his community. He was a lover of humanity.

James is survived by his wife, Suzanne; daughters, Heather Yach Krakowski and Catherine Yach Gleason; three precious granddaughters, Alexandra, Channing and Holly; brother, Tom; sisters, Ruth and Jane; sons-in-law, James Krakowski and Ryan Gleason;, countless nieces and nephews, dozens of true friends, hundreds of colleagues and coaches and thousands of magnificent students who affectionately referred to him as "Boss".

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4595 Baywiew Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 at noon on Saturday, June 14, 2014. His final resting place will be alongside his father, mother and sister at the Guardian Angel Cemetery, Stevens Point, Wis., Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. with graveside services conducted by St. Stephen's Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Boss Yach GED scholarship fund, details to follow.