James Anthony DeYonker

James (Jim) Anthony DeYonker was born March 3rd, 1924, in Paterson, NJ. His brothers, Charles and Joe, have gone before him. His sister Dottie lives in The Villages, Florida in addition to many surviving neices and nephews living around the country.

Jim died on August 27th, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He left behind his beloved wife Peg, daughter Sandy DeYonker Hall (Dave) of Shingle Springs, CA, Rod DeYonker (Ann) of Atlanta, GA, and daughter Jane DeYonker VanWyke and (Paul) of Columbia, SC. Jim and Peg have 12 grandchildren: Drew Hall (Savannah), Amy Hall Haydt (Eri)c, Jimmy DeYonker (Michelle), Paul DeYonker (Mariel), and Reilly DeYonker, Kate, Hannah, and Molly Davis, Kelly Fleming (Gabriel), Ben VanWyke (Ana), David and Rebecca VanWyke. They also have six great-grand children: Emma and Silas Haydt, Tyler Christiansen, Ella, Miriam, and Susanna Fleming.

The day Jim turned 18, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps to fight for his country in the Pacific Theater. At 19 he piloted P47's against the Japanese. Jim met the love of his life, Peggy Rhodes in Panama City Florida in October of 1945 at Tyndell AFB. They married in Feburary 1946. After 26 years serving his country, he moved to Nashville and became the chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics for Tennessee for 15 years. Upon his retirement, he and Peg moved to Florida, finally returning to California after 36 years. They have lived happily these last five years in Cameron Park at the senior retirement residence of Ponte Palmero.

Jim's greatest joys were his wife and family. He will be greatly missed by family and many friends.

A celebration of Jim's life is scheduled for noon on Saturday, August 30, 2014, at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd in Sacramento, CA. In Lieu of flowers please send any donations in Jim's name to Interim Hospice, 2941 Fulton Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821

Arrangements under the direction of Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, Sacramento, CA.