John Yacos III

John was born on October 18th, 1948, in Columbus Ohio to Helen and John Yacos Jr.  Growing up in Canton Ohio, John was active at Holy Assumption Orthodox Church, in boy scouts he achieved the rank of Life Scout, and lettered in varsity football and wrestling.  Following his graduation from Glenwood High School, John attended Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green Ohio, where he was an active member in the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, graduating with a degree in business.  While attending Bowling Green, John met his wife, Susan Welty, whom he married in 1970.

Following his graduation from Bowling Green, John was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, being assigned to the Occupational Field of Military Police.  During his Active years, John was assigned to various military installations in the Continental United States, along with serving three years in Germany supporting “Cold War” operations.  Following his Active Duty service, John continued to serve in the Army as a drilling Reservist in the Military Police, where he ultimately retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

John’s initial civilian employment had him specializing in the security field, which moved him and Susan around to several different locations throughout the United States, before they finally found “home” in Overland Park, Kansas.  John changed career fields in Kansas, moving from the security field to real estate development, specifically Corporate Woods and Hallmark/Crown Center Redevelopment. He also worked for several local firms and with the Kansas City Missouri city government until 2008, when he formally retired.

Outside of work, John was very involved in the local community with his two sons, John (Nick) IV and Jeff.  In his younger years, John was instrumental with both sons’ participation in Indian Guides, Weblos, and Boy Scouts, assisting both to become Eagle Scouts.   During his oldest son’s elementary and middle school years, John hammered home the art of not being a sore loser, namely by coaching both a youth baseball and football team for 3 consecutive years, averaging approximately 1 win a season in each respective sport. Five years later while coaching son Jeff’s baseball, football, and basketball teams, numerous tournaments were won.

Leisurely, John enjoyed watching / discussing / following major league sports.  Living in Kansas, John became part of the local fan base for the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs, maintaining season tickets for both clubs for many years.  Additionally, John was an active participant in local car shows, where he regularly competed his 1969 Shelby Cobra GT500 against other local vehicles.  His efforts in classic car competition paid off when he won first place in the 1990 “Kansas City Mustang National” competition.  John rounded out his active leisure years by volunteering for Habitat For Humanity; helping local residents improve their quality of living by performing carpentry work for various families in need of assistance.

John was preceded in death by daughter Natalie, mother Helen, father John, brother Philip, in-laws Delores & Henry Welty, plus numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his wife, Susan, his two sons, John and Jeff, and his sister Nadine.

Visitation will be at Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens (Metcalf & 112th) on Thursday, January 4th, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. An Orthodox Panikhida service will be prior to visitation at 4:00 p.m.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 5th, in the Wesley Chapel at the Church of The Resurrection, located at 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66224.

Memorial contributions may be made to any of the following charities: Alzheimer’s Association, Wounded Warrior Project, or the Boy Scouts of America.