James P. Jakubovic

Poland - James P. Jakubovic passed away at his home on Friday morning, November 1, 2024, at the age of 84. 

James, affectionately known as "Jim," was born July 29, 1940 in Youngstown, OH, son of Peter and Irene Tokar Jakubovic.

A lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley, Jim was a 1958 graduate of Ursuline High School and attended Youngstown College. From a young age, Jim demonstrated an admirable and strong work ethic, beginning his professional journey as an orderly at Hillside Hospital in his teens, and later working for a catering company and as a shoe salesman. Also, while in high school, Jim played saxophone with The Polka Kings, performing at many area weddings and events. Jim proudly served in the United States Army Reserves from 1963 until 1969. 

On June 27, 1964, Jim married the love of his life, Sally K. Shook. Their union was blessed with 60 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised their three children in New Middletown and later welcomed the addition of three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Jim was immensely proud of his family and always made it known how blessed he was to have Sally by his side for what he lovingly referred to as "a thousand years." 

A devoted family man, Jim dedicated himself tirelessly to providing for his loved ones. Jim held various positions throughout his career, starting in the office at Jones & Laughlin Steel before moving to American Paper Products, where he served as a production manager for 25 years. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own business, Envelope 1, in Columbiana, which he successfully operated from 1995 until his retirement in 2013. One of Jim's proudest achievements was being able to create job opportunities for many wonderful people in the community. In more recent years, Jim was excited to become an investor in his son's and daughter-in-law's Handel's Ice Cream franchise in Hermitage, PA. 

For over two decades, Jim and Sally welcomed the winter months in Venice, FL, where they enjoyed the sunshine, going to the beaches, and of course Jim's favorite pastime, golfing. Through the years, Jim found great joy in golfing with family and friends in their Sunday travel golf league. In 1987, he celebrated a milestone on the golf course when he Eagled the 18th hole at Pebble Beach. Beyond golfing, Jim enjoyed sports, especially watching his grandchildren's games, going out to Friday night dinners with lifelong friends, traveling to casinos with Sally in their retirement, and stealing his grand puppies for a day of spoiling that often included a trip to McDonald's for treats. 

Jim truly loved being around people and never seemed to meet a stranger anywhere he went. His fun personality and kindness made others feel welcomed and his generosity, which knew no bounds, will be missed and fondly remembered by so many. 

Jim leaves to carry on his memory, his wife Sally; children, Dawn (Ed "Smasher") Emery of Virginia Beach, VA, Denise (Dan) Klingler of Avon, and Marc (Jenna) Jakubovic of Poland; grandchildren, Katie (Dan Dzurec) Emery of Belmont, NC, Eric (Michaela) Emery of Leland, NC, and Avery Jakubovic of Poland; great-grandchildren, James and Violet Emery of Leland, NC; sister, Marie Repasky of Winchester, VA; sister-in-law, Helen "Moe" Jakubovic of Canfield; and many special nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Jakubovic.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m., at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland, where a memorial service will follow Thursday at 1 p.m. 

Memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Jim's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which he supported for many years, by visiting www.stjude.org.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the family.