James Yakubsin

James E. Yakubsin, 77, of Newberry, Florida, entered the presence of his Savior on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Haven Hospice of Gainesville, Florida, surrounded by family and friends. His life was driven by the Marine Corps motto, “God, Corps, Country,” which was evident from the number of friends who visited him in his final days.

James, known to most as Jim, Yak, or “Top,” was born on August 13, 1947, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Adam and Elizabeth (Komaromi) Yakubsin. He grew up in Valencia, California, and graduated from Hart High School in Newhall, California, Class of 1965.

Following his graduation, Jim began his service to our nation, entering the Marine Corps with Bootcamp in San Diego, California, in 1965. He would serve on active duty with a tour in Vietnam with the Lima Company 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and then stateside. He would return to civilian life and serve as a firefighter in California before moving to Florida.

After his move to Florida, he managed the University of Florida IFAS Dairy Farm in Hague, Florida. On August 26, 1977, he married his sweetheart of 47 years, Linda (Buickel) Yakubsin, in Gainesville, Florida. In 1979, Jim and Linda moved to Tallahassee, where he would start their small business, Quality Carpet Cleaning and Janitorial Company. During his time in Tallahassee, he reenlisted in the Charlie Co. of the 4th Tank Battalion Marine Corps Reserve unit, where he deployed to Operation Desert Storm as a Tank Commander from 1990-1991, served as a recruiter, and continued to serve until 2000, retiring as a Master Sergeant.

Jim and Linda returned to Alachua, Florida, where he would begin a career in law enforcement, serving with the Alachua Police Department (1982-1990), Alachua County Sheriff’s Department (1990-2004), and the Federal Marshalls (1993-1996).

In 1998, Jim helped found the Gator Detachment Marine Corps League 990 in Alachua County. He served as its Commandant for seven years and remained an active member until his final days. Each year, he enjoyed collecting and distributing toys with Toys for Tots alongside his fellow Marines. Jim was also instrumental in establishing the brick memorial for the City of Alachua Veterans Memorial.

While their youngest son was deployed to Iraq during the Second Gulf War, Jim and Linda started the Military Support Group of Alachua County, meeting regularly with other military families to pack care packages for the troops overseas. The group later expanded and provided additional support to the families of all military service men and women serving around the world.

In 2013, Jim helped Judge Robert Roundtree begin the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) and worked with Judge Phillip A. Pena of the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida to serve veterans in the criminal justice system. The Veterans Treatment Court connects veterans with benefits and treatment to assist with the resolution of criminal cases. Jim connected veterans with mentors to walk alongside them throughout the one-year program. He was passionate about securing funding for the program, educating the community, and serving veterans in need. Jim continued to serve with VTC until earlier this year when his health prevented him from continuing.

Jim was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the American Legion Post 16. He was an avid bowler, bowling in leagues throughout his life and spending time as a Pro-Am bowler for many years. One of his favorite hobbies was collecting and building HO Model Trains and layouts. He started a model train club in Alachua to connect with other collectors and looked forward to his time with them. He also enjoyed worshipping at Alachua Methodist Church, where he had been a member since 1983.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Linda Yakubsin; sons Adam (Maria) Yakubsin, Matthew Yakubsin, and James (Crystal) Yakubsin; and daughters Cari (Frank) Prevatt and Wendy (Jay) Steele. Grandchildren: Justin Yakubsin, Andrew Yakubsin, Jared Yakubsin, Caitlin (Michael) Manning, Jacee Washburn, Maddie (Zach) McMurry, Emma Steele, Olivia Steele, Maddox Yakubsin, Mikenna Yakubsin, Kodie Borey, Jaydin Yakubsin, Tamara (Philip) Leachman, and Shelby (Andrew) Marsh. Great Grandchildren: Nevaeh and Kian Chancey, Adalynn Marsh, and Levi Leachman. Cousins: Linda (John) White and Kim Johannes.

The family will be present for a visitation on Thursday, December 5th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Milam Celebration Center 22405 West Newberry Road in Newberry, Florida. A Celebration of Life service with military honors will be held on Friday, December 6th, at 10:30 a.m. at Alachua Methodist Church, followed by a meal and time of fellowship. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to Haven Hospice of Gainesville, FL, Alachua Methodist Church, or the Gator Detachment Marine Corps League 990 in Alachua County.