James Samuel Yancey died Monday, April 15, 2013,he was born in Everett on August 16, 1925 to Frederick Howell and Anna Coralie (Bosfield) Yancey. Coming from a family that believed in service to Country, he was the fifth of seven children, all who served in the military. He was raised and educated in Everett and graduated from Everett High School in 1943. He immediately joined the service after high school signing up as a Merchant Marine in WWII. After marrying Dorothy (Hasgill) they established a home in Natick and raised a family. He retired from a career with Coan Oil and then a second retirement from Exxon Oil in 1991. He and Dot moved to Cape Cod where they lived until 2010 when they moved back to Natick. He enjoyed sharing his childhood stories with his children and grandchildren; how as a Sea Scout practicing on the Mystic river and then as a WWII Veteran when his Merchant Marine Liberty Ship was torpedoed while crossing the Atlantic. A sports enthusiast, he & his wife Dorothy always made time to track and watch the exploits of his children and grandchildren. His passion was family and his hobbies were first and foremost playing hockey and then softball, golf and fishing. He was part of the generation that prided itself on service to Country and giving back to the community. He spent many years supporting the South Middlesex Chapter of the NAACP and served as its’ President from 1969-1971. Jimmy was also a lifelong member of the local Lions Club. He spent 19 years coaching youth hockey in the Natick Comets, eight years with boys program and then without having a daughter coached 11 years in the girls program. In 1970-71, he was one of three dedicated coaches to start girl’s hockey in Natick. He also was a volunteer coach in the Natick Little League program. James was predeceased by his wife Dorothy in 2012, his parents, his sister Elizabeth, four brothers Raymond, Howell, Stanley & Victor. He is survived by his 2 sons, Stephen Yancey and his wife Zane of Harwood, MD; David Yancey and his wife Cindy of Natick; 6 grandchildren, Ian, Heather, Stephanie, Brett, Jennifer, and Caitlyn; 1 great-grandson, Hunter and his sister, Edith of Woodstock, NY. Visiting hours will be held in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St. (at Natick Common) Natick on Thursday, April 18, 2013 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. James’ funeral service will be held on Friday, April 19, 2013 at 10:00AM in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 39 East Central St. (Rt. 135) Natick. The Yancey family has requested that those wishing to remember James may do so through memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. of MA, 311 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA 02472.
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