November 7, 1936 – April 2, 2024
James (Jim) Jankun, a resident of Reading for 62 years, passed away at his home in Reading on April 2, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was 87 years of age. Jim was born in Waterville, Maine on November 7, 1936 the son of the late Ignatis and Stella (Gurski) Jankun.
Jim and his family moved to Cambridge, MA where he grew up, attending and graduating from Cambridge Latin High School in 1954. Jim went on to attend Boston College, graduating in 1958 with a BS in Business Administration/Marketing. While attending BC, Jim was a member of the ROTC and after graduating from college, Jim served in the Army for two years. Upon completion of his Army service, Jim and his wife, Joyce settled in Somerville for a short time before moving to Reading.
Jim worked for Baycove for many years as their Payroll Specialist. He loved his job and the people he worked with. On any given workday you could catch Jim walking to the Reading train station on his way to work in Boston. Jim was an avid and devoted reader, who loved to visit the Reading Public Library always on the lookout for the next great book(s) to read. Jim was an avid sports enthusiast as well especially if one of his grandchildren were playing. Jim’s biggest enjoyments were family gatherings and attending the activities in which his children and grandchildren were participating.
James was the beloved husband of Joyce M. (Kimball) Jankun. Devoted father of Justine Mullen and her husband James of Needham, Jonathan Jankun and his wife Karen of Reading, Jeffrey Jankun of Brighton, Julie Jankun of Reading and the late James Jankun and Joyce Ahmed. Loving grandfather of Nathaniel, Elizabeth, Jared, Anna, Christopher and his wife, Molly, Timothy and Wayne. Great grandfather of Bodhi. Cherished brother of the late Veronica Cannell.
A visitation will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Sunday, April 7 from 2:00-4:00pm followed by a prayer service at 4:00pm. Burial is private.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in James’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Pl Memphis TN 38105 www.stjude.org
