James N. Yannekis

CONCORD - Colonel James N. Yannekis, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2015, after a brief illness at his home, with his children at his side. He was born August 23, 1930 in Rutland, Vermont to Nicholas and Georgia (Viry) Yannekis.

He lived and attended schools in Keene, NH until moving to Concord, during his junior year. Jim graduated from Concord High School in 1948 having been starting point guard on the 1948 Class L state championship basketball team. His family owned and operated the Buster Brown Diner, in Concord, during the 50’s and 60’s.

James leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Mary D. Kageleiry Yannekis, and their children, Gia Yannekis & son-in-law Jens Ostergaard, Greg Yannekis & daughter-in-law Emmy Roth, and his three grandchildren, Gia, Eli and Theo, his brother Gregory N. Yannekis of Ohio, many brothers and sisters in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews, and Mary and Jim’s three goddaughters Roileen Chamberlin, Heidi Kageleiry Turcotte, and Diana Chamberlin Babson

He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Steven N. Yannekis and sisters Pippina (Penny) N. and Demetra N. Yannekis.

Jim graduated from Concord High School in 1948 and the University of New Hampshire in 1956, where he was a member of PKA Fraternity. He later earned his Masters Degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University.

Professionally, Jim worked for the NH Highway Department and the US Postal Service, for over 10 years each. Jim was most proud of his almost 30 years of service in the US Army, ultimately retiring as a Full (Bird) Colonel. In the Army, he served a tour in Korea as an Artillery Officer, two tours in Vietnam in Engineering units, a tour at the Pentagon at HQ, and a tour at Fort Meade, MD, also at HQ.

He was active in local veterans’ organizations in Concord. Jim was the Commander of American Legion Post #21, for many years and before that was a long-time member and Commander at the VFW Post #1631.

Jim was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, in Concord. He also served as the Chaplain of Concord’s Blazing Star Eureka Lodge #11 of Freemasons.

After retiring Mary and Jim traveled extensively and found their winter home away from home in Aruba, which they visited for almost 30 years. Besides his Aruba “family” Jim had another “family” at the American Legion Post. When not at the Legion Jim was found playing cards at the Passaconaway Club, playing a round of golf at Dunstons, or at home watching NASCAR, golf, stock reports, and PBS.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday April 21st, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St., Concord. A Trisagion Service will be held during calling hours at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday April 22nd, 10 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 68 N. State St., Concord, with Father Michael Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Bennett Funeral Home, Concord, NH.