November 6, 2009  

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  James V. Yonkovig, 61, Ontario Drive S., passed away Friday morning, Nov. 6, 2009, at Samaritan Medical Center.

Born June 24, 1948, in Watertown, the son of Michael R. and Beverly J. Doran Yonkovig, he graduated in 1966 from IHC, attended college at Jefferson Community College, and graduated with a computer science degree from Syracuse School of Automation.

He entered the United States Air Force on June 20, 1967. He served in England and on Misawa Air Base, Japan, was a security analysis technician, and he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on Oct. 31, 1973.

He married Gretchen Buck on Nov. 26, 1977, at Holy Family Church with his brother, Rev. John R. Yonkovig, officiating. The marriage ended in friendship. 

He worked at Samaritan Medical Center from 1979 until the present, where he was currently the telecommunications manager.

He was a communicant of Holy Family Church. He was a member for over 25 years of the Glen Park Fire Dept, and had served as president for many years. He was also a current member of the Watertown Elks Lodge 496. 

Mr. Yonkovig enjoyed yearly trips to Myrtle Beach and cooking.

He is survived by his loving companion of 17 years, Ann W. McCarty, and her children, Megan and Michael; his son, James S., Watertown; his three brothers, Rev. John R. Yonkovig, Plattsburg, Michael D. and his wife, Bonnie, Henderson Harbor, and Daniel J. and his companion, his companion, Glynda McKinnon, Starksboro, Vt.; his niece, Katie Yonkovig, Watertown, and his nephew, Michael Yonkovig, Buffalo; his favorite aunt, Kathryn Svendsen, Anaheim, Calif.; and other aunts and cousins.

Calling hours will be held 2 to 5 p.m. Sun., Nov. 8, at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., 214 Sterling St., Watertown. A prayer service will be held 10:15 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at the funeral home followed by an 11 a.m. funeral Mass at Holy Family Church with his brother, Rev. John R. Yonkovig, pastor of St. Peter's Church. Plattsburgh, officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery.

Donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 7, E. Syracuse, NY 13057, to Hospice of Jefferson County, 425 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601, or to Glen Park Fire Dept., 630 Main St., Glen Park, Watertown, NY 13601.

Information provided by Cummings Funeral Service and Newzjunky.com, Watertown