James Michael Yahns, known to friends and family as "Mike," passed away surrounded by family at home in Mount Vernon on Monday, December 12, 2022.

He was born on December 5, 1945 in Hannibal, Missouri to James Lee and Wenonah Yahns. He graduated from Hannibal Senior High School and played for the school football team.

In 1966 Mike, knowing he would likely be drafted into military service for the Vietnam War, enlisted in the Army. He trained as a medic and earned his LPN license and was stationed at Madigan Army Hospital near Tacoma.

While serving at Madigan, Mike met the love of his life, Sue, who was studying at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland. They were married in 1969. Mike earned a pharmacy degree from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1975 and they returned to western Washington to purchase a home in Everett and start a family.

After growing up in a fractured family, Mike worked hard with Sue to build a loving, healthy and supportive environment for raising their own two children. He went to many football games and band concerts over the years, and was deeply proud of Katie and Steve. He made sure they knew that his love for them was unconditional, and that he would always be there for them.

Mike was proud of his long career as a pharmacist, caring for his customers as well as teaching them. He was careful and methodical and precise, but also warm and funny, with a genuine, open smile and a goofy sense of humor. His co-workers respected him and his patients sought out his advice because he had the knack of connecting with others through humor, and conveying his wisdom with humility.

Mike enjoyed golfing and volunteered many years as a marshal at the Boeing Classic golf tournament at the Club at Snoqualmie Ridge. He loved going for a drive in his beloved 1975 Corvette and sharing it with people at car shows. He was a member of the Majestic Glass Corvette Club, the National Corvette Owners Association, and First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mount Vernon.

Even as Mike bravely fought three rounds of cancer, he never missed an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge those who showed compassion to others, including nurses and aides, waiters and waitresses, delivery drivers and grocery store workers. He taught us all how to face adversity with grace and true strength.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Susan; daughter, Katie Yahns (Jeff L. Kane) of Sherrill, New York; son, Steve Yahns, of Everett; sister, Sandra Silverberg of Longmont, Colorado; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-parents, his sister Sharron Sue Yahns, and his nephew Mike Miller.

A private memorial service for Mike was held in December. Mike felt strongly that everyone had the responsibility to help one's fellow human beings while on this earth, so in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mike's memory to a charitable organization of your choice. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.