Margaret E. James

Margaret E. James “Peggy”, 78 passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2026 with her children by her side. Born in Tampa, FL, she was in the Allentown High School graduating class of 1966 and a lifelong resident of Monmouth County. Peggy was a lifelong learner. She studied art at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and later Trenton State College and carried her passion for the arts in many ways through life.

After the loss of her husband, Stephen, while their children were young, Peggy worked hard to provide for them. In 1983, she opened the Hair Barn in Jacobstown which she ran for 43 years. Peggy was active with the Villagers of Allentown and spent many years practicing Martial Arts. She was a talented seamstress and made many wedding dresses and even musician’s uniforms.

Peggy traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad. Her adventurous spirit led her to pursue memorable experiences, including mushing a dog team in Alaska and skydiving with her son, Stephen. She enjoyed dancing and cooking and often experimented with new recipes.

Known for her kindness and warmth, she valued time spent with others and formed meaningful connections with many people throughout her life. She cherished her family and was grateful to her brothers and Bud Rosser for their years of support and care.

Daughter of the late Ernest and Elizabeth James, she was predeceased by her husband, Stephen Yakelewicz and by her grandson, Max. Peggy is survived by her children, Stephanie and her husband Jim, Cliff “Whip” and his wife Faith, and Stephen and his partner Meg; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Roger “Shad” and Barbara and Bob and Debbie; her grandchildren and their partners, James (Claudia), Elizabeth (Chris), Kayla (Evan), Tyde (Jae), Jordan (Julia) and Jennifer; her great grandchildren, James, Wyatt, Claudia, Coraline, Salem, Logan, Celeste, Hayden, Sofia, Jameson, and Noah as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held Thursday October 15th from 9 to 11 am at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St. Allentown, NJ. Inurnment will follow in Cream Ridge Cemetery.

Peggy was a woman of strong faith who held the Carmel of Jesus, Mary & Joseph close to her heart and had long hoped to visit the monastery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Peggy’s name to the Carmel of Jesus, Mary & Joseph at 327 Water St., Fairfield, PA 17320-9530, or online at www.fairfieldcarmelites.org.