Marion Heights – Russell J. Yakim Jr. , 70, of 439 Melrose St., passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2020 at his home after losing his 5 year battle with cancer. His loving wife and sons were by his side.

Born at the Shamokin Hospital on January 26, 1950, he was the son of the late Russell J. Yakim Sr. and Louise (Korzeniecki) Yakim.

Russ was a life long resident of Marion Heights. He was a 1967 graduate of Mt. Carmel Area High School.

He served in the United States Navy from 1969 – 1972, with a tour of Vietnam from 1970-1971. On February 1973 he was honorably discharged from the service.

On February 5, 1972, at the Patronage of the Mother of God Church in Marion Heights, Russ married the love of his life and soulmate, the former Marjorie Zimmerman.

Russ was employed as a welder with PPL Utilities, retiring after 34 years.

He was an avid hunter and also enjoyed fishing. He loved being outdoors. He also enjoyed traveling, especially taking Margie to Atlantic City. They also traveled to Florida, Italy and Paris. Russ had many good friends, especially Ed, John, Steve and Jay.

Russ was a life member of the Kulpmont VFW Post 8354, the American Legion Post 0231, Kulpmont Knights of Columbus, Kulpmont Sportsmen Association, Marion Heights Fire Co., M.C.A.C's, and the St. Francis Club.

Russ is survived by his wife, Marjorie Yakim; three sons, MSgt Russell J. Yakim III, USAF (retired), Jason M. Yakim and John W. Yakim; a brother, Gary Yakim and his companion, Lena Honicker; two sisters, Bonnie Shockey and her husband, Charles, and Debra Easton and her husband, Ed; two brothers-in-law, Perry Zimmerman and Donald Faust and his wife, Leslie; two sisters-in-law, Debbie Snyder and her husband, Dan and Dorothy Faust; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Perry and Marguerite (Faust) Zimmerman; a brother, Robert Yakim; as well as his aunts and uncles.

NOTICE

Russell J. Yakim Jr., 70, of 439 Melrose St., Marion Heights – Divine Liturgy will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at the Patronage of the Mother of God Church, Marion Heights, with Father Mykola Ivanov officiating. Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2020 in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Arrangements are in care of C. J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, PA, Malcom C. Farrow IV, Supervisor. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to St. Mary's/The Patronage of the Mother of God Church, C/O Transfiguration Church 303 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, PA 17872 or the American Cancer Society at PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com