Dr. Jakubchak

Dr. James Joseph Jakubchak, a.k.a. Dr. J, Jim, Dad, Peepaw, was grateful for every minute of his 66 years, especially the last eleven. Born in the steel mill town of Johnstown, PA, he had a sharp-as-a-tack mind and an incredible work ethic. He attended the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and went to medical school at Temple University. He liked to refer to himself as "the original Dr. J". In 1977, he moved his young family to Spartanburg, SC, where he worked at the Spartanburg Eye Clinic. During his 36 years as an ophthalmologist, he touched the lives of many patients. He took time to ask about their families, and remembered the important details. Dr. J was a member of The Episcopal Church of the Advent, where he was active in the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and participated in mission trips. He was also a member of the Downtown Sertoma Club. Many good times were had with his Sertoma buddies, from lunch at Wade's, to Edisto in the fall where he honed his shrimping skills. Dr. J never stopped learning and looking for new experiences. He may have been suit-and-tie during the week, but it was overalls on the weekend. He was a Master Gardener who fed the birds and enjoyed nature. He truly had non-stop energy and a zest for life. Although he worked hard, family was his first priority. A devoted husband and dad, he loved to go places, do things, and make memories. His love of the holidays, especially Christmas, and family vacations rivaled that of Clark Griswold. No one could keep the pace he set on trips. Family traditions were important to him and he liked doing them bigger each time. However, of all his adventures, probably his most favorite was being Peepaw. Fridays with the grandkids meant making pancakes, parades, playing princess, knights and dragons, and riding around looking for trains. "When you get in the car with Peepaw, you never know where you might end up". Favorite Peepaw places include Gerald's, Barnet Park, Tractor Supply, Krispy Kreme, and looking at holiday blow-ups at Lowe's. On July 8, 2013, Dr. J went to Heaven to be Peepaw again to his granddaughter, Katie. He will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 44 years, Paula; daughter, Joy; son, Derrick; daughter-in-law, Susan; and grandchildren, Anna and Taylor. Please join our family in a celebration of his amazing life on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 5:30 PM at The Episcopal Church of the Advent. The Reverend J. Edward Morris will preside. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mobile Meals Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. To all who love Dr. J - Honor him by enjoying life in one of the ways he did: eat a popsicle, save room for pie, hang a bird house, blow bubbles, or do something thoughtful for another person. To Dad - We love you and thank you for fighting for those last wonderful eleven years. We will never forget the lesson you taught us: Carpe diem! (Seize the day!) Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. James Joseph Jakubchak please visit our Sympathy Store.