James David Yanke, 67, of Hawthorne, Florida passed away on Saturday March 18th, 2023 at the E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville, Florida after a long and courageous battle with cancer.Burial service will be held at the Forest Meadows East Cemetery on Saturday March 25th, 2023 at 10:30am.James was born in Miami, Florida to Donald A. Yanke and Martha Daffin Yanke on July 27th, 1955. James received his GED on November 2nd, 1981. He worked as an electrician at Shands at the University of Florida and later retired as a generator maintenance technician from the School Board of Alachua County in 2013.He spent his childhood boating with his father and three brothers. Later in his youth his passion turned to motorcycles and anything mechanical. He moved to North Central Florida and met the love of his life, Alicia Hill. They married in 1978 in Hawthorne. In 1988, James's daughter Carrie was born and he found the second love of his life. He enjoyed being outside and staying busy with his machines. He loved helping his family and friends with almost anything.James is preceded in death by his beloved wife Alicia Yanke and parents Donald and Martha Yanke.James is survived by his loving daughter Carrie Chalmers (Jay), grandson David Chalmers, and brothers Ray, Robert and Donald Yanke, as well as nieces and nephews.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Haven Hospice,4200 NW 90th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL, 32606.The Family asks that friends of the family to join them, Thereafter; graveside services in a celebration of life at The Chalmers House 5203 NW 47thLane Gainesville, FL 32606Arrangements are under the care of the Forest Meadows Funeral Home,725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32609, (352) 378-2528. Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528