James E. "Mustard" Yaconis, 85, of West Deer Township, passed away, February 1, 2022, at his residence. He was born in Russellton, September 28, 1936, son of the late Carmelo and Maria (Tipi) Yaconis, and has lived in West Deer all of his life. Jim graduated from West Deer High School in 1954 and then served in the United States Army. Upon his return from service, Jim graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in, 1961, with a degree in education. He then pursued his masters degree at Duquesne University in Principal Education. Jim was the elementary principal for Deer Lakes School District, from 1973 until his retirement in 1987. Through his life, Jim played many sports in high school and college. He played for the West Deer American Legion baseball team, winning the State Champion in 1954. Jim also played baseball three years at IUP. He became a coach and manager for the West Deer American Legion baseball team for 23 years and was inducted to the American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame. Jim was an active member of his community, serving as Commander of the West Deer American Legion, West Deer Township Board of Supervisor and Deer Creek Basin Drainage Authority. During that time he served on the Recreation Board, Planning Commission and was the first Chairman of the drainage authority. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler's and Pirate's fan. Jim especially enjoyed his grandchildren, attending many of their sporting events and watching his son play volleyball for OSU. He was a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, Transfiguration. Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kathy (Farrasso) Yaconis; children, Deanna (Terry) Gaston and James V. Yaconis; grandchildren, Scott, Jeremy and Casey Gaston, Hannah, Allison and Kate Yaconis; many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Filomena, Frank, Nick, John, Michael, Carmelo and Orlando Yaconis. Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation from 3 to 7 pm, Sunday, February 6, 2022, at Adam Siemianowski Funeral Home, 179 Starr Road, Russellton, West deer Township, 15076. A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated, 10 am, Monday, in Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, Transfiguration Campus. Jim will be laid to rest at Deer Creek Cemetery, Harmar Township.