James William Yon, Jr

James William Yon, Jr. passed away on Monday, January 19, 2015 in Tallahassee, Florida. Born in Blountstown, Florida on August 4, 1928, he was the second son of James William and Lillie Mae Parrish Yon. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Lt. Colonel Terrell Edward Yon and his sister in law Norma E. Yon, Blountstown. After graduating from Blountstown High School, Bill joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan with the U.S. Occupational Forces. Upon his honorable discharge, he entered Florida State University in 1948, majoring in Geology, and received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees. A member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and Sigma Xi, Scientific Research Society, he was also active in student government. It was at FSU that he met his wife, Barbara Timmons Yon, who survives him, and they recently celebrated sixty-two years of a wonderful marriage. Upon graduation, Bill worked as a geologist with the Florida Geological Survey, retiring with forty years of service. Bill was a member of First Baptist Church of Tallahassee for over sixty years where he served as a Deacon, was actively involved in the singles ministries and the church visitation program for the homebound. He was also a leader of Boy Scout Troop 104, where he touched the lives of many young people and was honored with the Silver Beaver and Order of the Arrow awards. Bill was an avid Florida State football fan and loved the Seminoles. Upon retirement, Bill achieved his lifetime goal of hiking down and out of the Grand Canyon and spent much time hunting, fishing and enjoying God's handiwork in the beauty of nature. He also enjoyed his workshop, where he made furniture for his children and grandchildren. One of his favorite pastimes was enjoying life on their family farm in Quincy. Bill was a man of many interests, loving music, books, and he had great respect and reverence for World War II history and its veterans. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. His family and friends brought him great joy and he was blessed with his children, Jane Y. Bachtler and Bill, Tallahassee, and Julie Y. Horton and Rick, Columbia, SC; his grandchildren, Bob Bachtler, Memphis, TN, Beth B. Risley and Dave, Atlanta, GA and Jenny Horton, Columbia, SC. He is also survived by his sister in law and brother in law, Betty T. Mahaffey and Bascom, Quincy; nephews and nieces, Terry Yon, Destin, Ken Yon and Ellen, Tallahassee, Nancy Y. Johnson and Jeff, Marianna, Lane Mahaffey and Janice, Lutz, Barbara M. Craig and Mike, Lutz, Beth Frith and Jim, Black Mountain, NC, Lynn M. Skelton and Brad, Crescent City, and many other family members. He and his family have been blessed by the steadfast love and support of many friends, especially during this past year. The family will receive friends Saturday, January 24th from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM in the Welcome Center at First Baptist Church of Tallahassee. The service will follow at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of First Baptist. Interment will take place at Sunny Dell Cemetery in Gretna, FL at 1:00 PM. The family will greet friends and share refreshments at Gretna Baptist Church, following the interment. Memorials may be made to the Florida Baptist Children's Home, 8415 Buck Lake Road, Tallahassee, FL 32317 or TMH Foundation, 1331 E. Sixth Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32303. Rocky Bevis of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the Yon family with their arrangements.

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James William Yon, Jr

August 4, 1928 - January 19, 2015