James W. Yokem, age 91, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2020, at the Roseville Nursing Home. He was born on August 7, 1929, at Pleasant Hill IL to Sol and Mabel (Cordevant) Yokem.
He leaves his wife of 15 years Phyllis McCullough Yokem, daughters Susan Yokem from Zion IL, Elizabeth (Beth) Yokem from Pittsfield IL, seven stepsons, Victor Seybold (Teri) Quincy IL, Antone Seybold, Stephen (Flint) McCullough (Larisa) Roseville IL, Doug McCullough (Tina) Plymouth IL, Gregg McCullough (deceased), Brad McCullough (Lisa) Prophetstown IL, and Brent McCullough (Kelly) Albuquerque NM. He also leaves several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his only sister Mary Yokem Dirst, and wives Ann (Powell) and Judith (Seybold) Yokem.
Jim grew up in Pleasant Hill, until age 14, before moving to Chicago, where he worked for the Sears Roebuck before going to college. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois and spent 36 years in corporate accounting, the last several years as Treasurer at Stark Brothers Nursery at Louisiana MO.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a proud member of the Roseville American Legion Post 614and was an Honor Flight recipient in April 2014. Jim was also a member of the Roseville Methodist Church. When he joined the Methodist church he asked why there was not an adult bible class and when it was suggested he start one, he did just that, teaching the class for four years. That class is still going strong. He enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states and more than 30 foreign countries. He loved history and rehabbed three historic homes in Louisiana Mo. He served one term as mayor of Louisiana Mo. before moving to Roseville. After moving to Roseville he researched and authored the book “The Yokem’s of Pike County”. He had a great interest in the Harman House Museum in Pleasant Hill and at age 85 made a generous donation, enabling them to do extensive remodeling and to add a new wing. Jim was an avid stamp and coin collector.
At his request, there will be a brief memorial service at the Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill on Saturday, October 24th at 1:00 PM. The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to the Roseville Legion Post 614. Please sign the online guestbook at www.wisefamilyfuneralhome.com. Wise Family Funeral Home Roseville, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
