James Kenneth Yucuis

December 17, 1930 - September 15, 2021

James Kenneth Yucuis, age 90, born December 17, 1930 and died on September 15, 2021 at home with his family. James was a DeLaSalle High School graduate, Chicago. He retired from his career at the Burlington Northern Railroad after 37 years. He served in many volunteer roles in his retirement such food deliverer for Meals on Wheels, Eucharistic Minister (church, homebound and hospital), President of several bowling leagues and a dedicated AARP tax trainer and preparer. After his wife’s passing in 2007, James “adopted” 6 children, a missionary and an elderly woman through a non-profit organization called Unbound which provides for the spiritual, physical and educational needs of children and families around the world. He faithfully wrote letters to these children and received so many heartfelt letters in return over the years. He was a diehard Chicago Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks fan, skilled card player and most of all, he found great joy in being with family. James was a beloved father, brother and friend to so many people throughout his life. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Elaine Yucuis, brother, Charles Yucuis, sister, Barbara Fickett, beloved wife of 56 years, Irene (Duff) Yucuis and two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Zoe. He is survived by his brother Gerald Yucuis, sister Judy Platek (Tom), 6 children, William Yucuis (Lyn), Catherine Coyne (Peter), Donald Yucuis (Catherine), Michael Jon Yucuis (Dawn), Timothy Yucuis, Eileen Carpenter (Algy); 13 grandchildren Bethany Borden (Chris), Amy Brown (Jonathan), Jason Coyne, Stephanie Fleming (Stephen), Kate Irwin (Pete), Melissa Hinkamper (Matt), Rachel Fossum (Josh), Lisa Ratz (Doug), Jon Yucuis (Brianna), Krista Robinson (Ryan), Adam Yucuis, Cameron Carpenter, Kelly Carpenter; and 15 great-grandchildren Gavin, Alicia, Daxton, Matthew, Delia, Adelaide, Adam, Anna, Jonah, Ezekiel, Aubrey, Riley, Cecelia, James and Lillith. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 28 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Church 9724 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa FL. A livestream with playback option will be available for the funeral Mass. Interment of ashes will immediately follow at Sunset Memory Gardens 1005 US-301, Thonotosassa, FL. NOTE: For safety concerns due to COVID, there will not be a reception afterward. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, October 16 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church 1215 Modaff Rd, Naperville IL. NOTE: For safety concerns due to COVID, there will not be a reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to or child sponsorship through www.Unbound.org