John P Yanok Jr

John Paul Yanok Jr, affectionately known as “Jack”, age 87, passed away into the presence of the Lord on Monday, April 14 in Foley, Alabama, which he affectionately called “Paradise”, where he lived the last 20 years. Jack was born in 1937 in Martins Ferry, Ohio and raised in Adena, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Palma Black Yanok, his wife Gay Yanok, and brother in law Bob Oszust. He is survived by his brother Robert (Bob) and (Diane) Yanok, sister Pamela Oszust, Son John Paul Yanok III (Johnny), nephews Robbie and (Tricia) Yanok, Rusty and (Amy) Yanok, Ryan and (Lindsey) Yanok, Corey and (Elisha) Oszust, and nieces Amy and (Isaac) Flatto, Robin and (Brian) Amicon, step grand daughter Rachel Hardesty, and 19 grand nieces and nephews, whom he loved and adored. Jack graduated from Adena High School in 1955, graduating 4th in his Class, He was a member of the National Honor Society for 3 years. He achieved the Arion Award for Outstanding Musician in 1955, and went on to attend Muskingum College on an instrumental scholarship. He played all Saxs, Oboe, Clarinet, Snare Drum, String Bass, Baritone Horn, Trumpet, and piano. He was the arranger for all the halftime football shows. He majored in Saxophone and minored in Voice graduating in 1959 with a BS in Education with Music Supervision. From 1959 - 1961 he taught vocal and instrumental music in High Schools in Lisbon, Brilliant, and Adena Ohio. In the Summer of 1960, Jack acted and sang in the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. He did 6 Broadway shows with actor Leonard Graves, and actress Betty White (whom he went out with) in the King and I. He starred with J.P. Morgan in Annie Get your Gun, Andy Devine in Show Boat, Jean Fenn in Rose Marie, Julius LaRosa in Pajama Game, Jean Ball in South Pacific, and Carol Kane in Kismet and Brigadoon. He traveled and performed shows with Bob Hope. In 1961 he was approached by a leading talent agent and scout from Hollywood. He was asked to move to Hollywood to start doing TV Shows and Movies, but enlisted in the United Stated Army. He was a part of the United States Army Field Band, and Soldiers Chorus, Playing Oboe and Sax. He traveled all 50 states and multiple countries playing before many Presidents, Kings, and Queens. He helped form The Jazz Ambassadors, which is still in existence today. He retired from active duty in 1985, as a Master Sergeant/E-8. He was an active member of the American Legion up until his death. In 1981 he married his wife Gay. In 1982, they purchased land and a building in Deltaville, VA. In 1983, the building became Jack’s Place, a Restaurant & Lounge, specializing in Seafood and Beef. He continued his love for music by playing with his 3 piece jazz band at the lounge on the weekends. He retired completely in 1987. Jack will always be remembered for his humor, kindness, love and generosity towards his family and friends, a life well lived. He loved helping people and making them smile and laugh. A Memorial & Celebration of Life Service will be held at Fish River Grill (Back room) in Foley at 11:30am, conducted by his nephew, Robbie Yanok.

John P Yanok Jr

April 14, 2025

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John P Yanok Jr

April 14, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

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Grief & Healing

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