James "Jim" Frank Yunkman, 63 years of age, passed safely into the arms of God on February 18, 2025 with family and friends by his side. He arrived this side of Heaven on March 24, 1961, to Frank D. Yunkman and Irene Bunton Yunkman Villeneuve.

Jim grew up in Willis, Michigan where his family owned and operated the Willis Market (currently Bone Heads BBQ), in Willis, MI, from 1954 to 1972.

Jim lived on the family property, in Willis, MI. As a young man, Jimmy helped his grandparents, and brother Joseph, farm the land on Bunton Road. Often getting up hours before school started to plow, or harvest, the fields. He also worked beside his brother Joseph as they ran a landscape, mowing, and snow removal busines, and were volunteer firefighters for Augusta Township.

Jim graduated from Ypsilanti Lincoln H.S. in 1979.

He enjoyed being in Choir and Theater productions where his singing skills and personality could shine. Jimmy occasionally marched with the Lincoln Band, especially when we went to Cherry Festival in Traverse City. His height made him the perfect Abe Lincoln Mascot.

Jimmy worked over 35+ years at the Ann Arbor University of Michigan site at the Power Plant, as a Parking Attendant, and a Union Representative.

We don't think Jimmy ever met a stranger. He enjoyed talking to everyone he came in contact with. A life long Michigander, Jimmy loved to fish. Rain or shine. He carried multiple fishing poles and gear in his car - just in case a lake showed up on his route.

Visits to his sister's, in TN, was greeted with an out-of-state fishing license so he could hone his craft there. We believe these fishing adventures was where he could Commune with God. And of course, meet new friends and fishing buddies.

Jimmy was a member of the Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church. He said he finally felt at home with God and his family of friends there.

Jimmy is survived by His son, James (Jamie) E. Yunkman and Granddaughter, Cheyenne L. Yunkman.

Sisters: Jade Irene (Stephen) Meyer and Julianne Villeneuve. Brothers: Dr. Mark Villeneuve. Thomas (Gaynor) Villeneuve. And Patrick Villeneuve. Sister-in-Law, Michelle Assed.

Nieces/Nephews: Jennifer (James) Collier and their daughters, Eleana and Everleigh. Dave (Tina) Karr and his daughters, Lyndsey (Adam) Chisholm-Jackson and their children, Bella, Evelyn & Myles; and Darian Faith Hall-Karr. Christina (Conor) Villeneuve-Hayes. Alexandria Villeneuve. Stephanie (Ian) Skacan and their son Radek. Krystin (James) Schuh and their children. Erin (Jay) Karr-Kennedy. Bill Karr and his children. Jon (Lauren) Villeneuve and their son Matthew. Katherine Villeneuve. Frank Doyle and children. Shannon Doyle and children. And other great-nieces/nephews, several great-great-nieces/nephews and many beloved cousins and friends.

Stepchildren: Charity, Adam, Anthony, John Ross and their families.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his Parents, Frank Yunkman and Irene & George Villeneuve, Jr. Maternal Grandparents, J. Lee & Flora (Schlacht) Bunton. Paternal Grandparents, Joseph F. & Eva (Chapman-Boatwright) Yunkman. Brother, Joseph Lee Yunkman and Sister-in-law, Dianne Evalyn Yunkman. Brother, Christopher Villeneuve. Step-children, Joseph and Matthew Ross.

On behalf of the Jimmy's families, we thank you for your support of Jimmy and his Tribe. A Great reunion awaits us on Resurrection Morning.

A memorial service will be 11 am Thursday, June 6, 2025 at Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church (1717 Broadway, Ann Arbor). In place of flowers, contributions in Honor of James Frank Yunkman may be made to:

The Diabetes Foundation

The Kidney Foundation

The Cancer Foundation

The Milan Michigan Senior & Aging Center

The family to use for unexpected expenses (c/o: James E. Yunkman)