James W. Gabak, 82, of Johnson City, NY entered eternal rest on June 25, 2021.
He was predeceased by his parents William and Mary Gabak, his brother-in-law Michael Duke and niece Dr. Mary Ann Duke. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Anna Gabak, and their daughter, Mary Ann. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Duke, his nieces and nephews Dr. Bill and Diane (Duke) Marusich, Elaine Duke, and Michael J. Duke, all of Johnson City, NY. Uncle Jim is also survived by many great and great-great nieces and nephews, which include the Holmvik, Marusich, and Mihelc families. Jim was a lifelong resident of Johnson City, graduating from J.C. High School in 1957. He served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps both on active duty and as a reservist for 6 years including a 14-month deployment to Okinawa, Japan. Jim went on to become a U.S. Postal Mail Carrier delivering mail throughout Johnson City for 30 years where he met many friends and was known as "Mailman Jim". He was an avid reader of military books, especially about the Civil War and World War II. He enjoyed gardening, and was an "organic eater" long before it became popular. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, mushroom picking, and drinking a cold beer with his friends. He was a diehard New York Giants football fan. A humble man of few words, he truly had a heart of gold. He was a member of St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 296 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY 13905, where a private funeral service was conducted by Very Rev. Protopresbyter James Dutko. Burial took place at the parish cemetery. If you wish to honor Jim with a contribution in his memory, kindly consider ACHIEVE, 125 Cutler Pond Rd., Binghamton, NY 13905, St. Michael's Orthodox Church, or your favorite charity. Jim's family wishes to thank the many Lourdes health care professionals who cared for him over the past months both at home and in the hospital. A special thanks to the staff of the James G. Johnston Nursing Home for their dignified and compassionate care during his final weeks. Jim's life was a commitment to all good things. He had a strong faith, was always positive, cheerful, with a deep loyalty to those he loved. Semper Fidelis! +Vicnaja Pamjat, +Eternal Memory!

Kindly share your reflections of Jim on his guestbook at Chopyak-Scheider.com. Arrangements were made by Chopyak-Scheider Funeral Home, with gratitude extended to Bill and Nikki Scheider.