WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
James Yoder, age 82 of Sturgis, Michigan and Weslaco, Texas passed
away Saturday, January 16, 2010 surrounded by his family at the Knapp
Medical Center in Weslaco.
He was born August 11, 1927 in Nottawa, Michigan a son to the late
Ernest and Lovina (Eicher) Yoder.
Jim resided in the Sturgis area most of his life. In 1950 he married
Jackie Bowen. She preceded him in death on March 23, 1999. On September
25, 2005 he married Mary Reed.
He was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952
during the Korean War stationed at Fort Bragg North Carolina. Following
his honorable discharge from the Army he and Jackie returned to Sturgis
and resided there and raised their family. Following their retirement he
and Jackie began spending their winters in the Rio Grande Valley in
Texas. Jim and Mary were currently living in Sturgis and also Winter
Texans in Weslaco.
In the 1950’s and 60’s he was a member of many championship fast pitch
softball teams. He was a very talented southpaw first baseman. Jim
continued his love of sports encouraging and cheering loudly at his sons
athletic events. For many years he umpired Little League Majors baseball
games in Sturgis. He loved to run the two lane roads while traveling and
took Mary down some interesting roads.
Jim was always willing to give of his time to help others and had
volunteered at Thurston Woods Village and was a driver for the American
Cancer Society in the Valley. He attended the Locust Grove Mennonite
Church in Burr Oak.
His care and compassion for all his family and friends will be greatly
missed but he loved the Lord and has gone home in victory. He would want
us to celebrate his life.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Mary, One Daughter;
Linda (Doug) Large of Sturgis, Five Sons; Doug (Sue) Yoder of Austin,
Texas, Bob (Marilee) Yoder of Sturgis, Steve (his friend Sheryl Putnam)
Yoder of Sturgis, Stan (Vicki) Yoder of White Pigeon, Tim (his fiancée
Vicky Singleton) Yoder of Sturgis, One Step-Son; Jeff Moline of Garita,
New Mexico, Two Step-Daughters; Michelle (Scott) Carr of Sturgis and
Alecia Frutig of LaGrange, Indiana, 21 Grandchildren, 11 Great
Grandchildren, One Sister; Mary Ellen Schragg of Kalamazoo and many
nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death parents, wife, two sisters; Lena Reed and Barb
Weber and one brother; Ernest Yoder.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial
service celebrating the life of James Yoder will be announced at a later
date.
The *Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Rosenberg Chapel* of Sturgis is
handling the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr.
Yoder’s memory consider the American Cancer Society, 1400 West Milham,
Kalamazoo, MI 49091 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St.
Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
