John Thomas Yokum Jr.

1948 - 2018

BORN

1948

DIED

2018

About

DePaul University Texas Christian University University of South Carolina

John Yokum Obituary

John Thomas Yokum, Jr.

San Angelo, TX

Starbucks lost a loyal customer on Friday May 11, 2018. Tom was a kind, intelligent and loving man who enjoyed life to the fullest with his energetic wife and partner, Shellie Smith Yokum, who was always by his side.

Tom was born in Dallas, Texas on July 30, 1948 to Betty (Brown) and John Yokum. Tom's family later moved to San Antonio where Tom graduated from Alamo Heights High School. It was there that Tom decided to become a mathematician after being inspired by his favorite teacher, Dr. Paul Forester.

Tom then became a "Horned Frog" and graduated from Texas Christian University with both a BA and MBA. While at TCU he was in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity with his good friend Lewis McCall. He decided to further his education and he and his new bride Shellie took off to South Carolina where Tom earned his Ph.D in Business from the University of South Carolina.

From there Tom was a professor and researcher at various universities around the country including UTSA, Colorado University and DePaul University in Chicago. In 1990, Tom and Shellie settled back in Texas to be closer to friends and Shellie's parents. Tom taught and did research for many happy years at Angelo State University where he was honored with the Mr. and Mrs. Virgil J. Powell Professorship in American Economic Principles.

Tom was a proud member of the International Institute of Forecasters which enabled him to travel the world presenting his research papers to his fellow colleagues with Shellie collecting souvenirs along the way.

Tom and Shellie enjoyed all their travels and welcoming family and friends to their beach house in Port Aransas. They loved eating out in fine restaurants, but Tom equally enjoyed a room temperature Velveeta cheese sandwich with a side of pickles.

Tom leaves behind Shellie, his side kick for 39 years and their three perfect dogs, Boomer, Boris, and Mozzee. Also his loving sister-in-law, Jamie Jackson and caring brother-in-law, Andy Smith and their wonderful children. Also special cousins, Merry Saegert and Sally King, and their families. His dear childhood friend, Richard Reiss and his wife, Carol, who were great traveling partners with Tom and Shellie.

Shellie would like to thank all their family and friends for being such a positive part of their fabulous journey. In addition, she would like to thank wonderful Rosa Ibarra and the most compassionate and caring doctor, Dr. Carl Anderton.

Per Tom's request there will be no formal service and in lieu of flowers any donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by GoSanAngelo on May 16, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Yokum

9 Entries

Rajat Bhatnagar

December 3, 2019

Shellie, I found out about Tom's passing belatedly. He played a pivotal role as a boss, teacher and mentor in my time as an ASU student. We founded student societies together and he had nominated me for the President's Award. I am deeply sorry for your loss and am grateful that Tom played such an influential role in my life as a student. Thank you and Tom for being there as one of my pillars of support.

June 9, 2018

Shellie,

Tom was a wonderful individual and a great husband. I am sorry he has departed this world.

I am thinking of you, your family, and your dogs during this time of sorrow. Please know you are in my daily thoughts, my memories, and my prayers.

Avec tout mon coeur,

Johnny Rives

Hans R F Helland

June 6, 2018

Shellie, So sorry to hear of your loss. Hang in there. Hans

Sally Nolen

June 2, 2018

Shellie, my deepest condolences in your loss of Tom. He taught me all that I knew about Stats at ASU. It was a pleasure to work with you at the Center. Maybe our paths will cross again at the coast. I am thinking of you. Much love, Sally Nolen

anita/sneedie williams dibrell

May 28, 2018

it is hard for me to not call him tommy. that is how i remember him. my oldest daughter went to angelo state and loved it she also worked for mr powell. small world. i lived across the street from richard on montclair ave. and graduated with them in 1964 i am sorry to hear of his passing but what a wonderful life he had i am very happy to read about his life and all that he accomplished my heart goes out to you and your loved ones for your loss

Cynthia Holden

May 27, 2018

My condolences to you, Shellie and your family, and also to Richard and Carol Reiss. I saw the four of you at our 2014 AHHS reunion. I remember the days when Tommy and Richard taught in Edgewood and their commitment to all the school activities I always found both of them to be inspiring.

What a wonderful partnership you and Tommy shared. You all are in my thoughts.

James Chancellor

May 27, 2018

Shellie, it sounds like you both had an amazing journey together. Im saddened to hear of Toms passing. Life is enhanced by the friendships we make over the years. Paul Forester touched many of our lives and made us better life long students. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

James Casillas

May 17, 2018

Hola Shellie, please accept my condolences on your loss. Tom was always so kind and friendly. I still remember me and Blanca being in San Antonio during Fiesta with like a million people and running into Tom. I love that you and Tom made a lot of great memories traveling and having fun. Many blessings and love from the Casillas Fam.

Mary Hasty

May 16, 2018

Shellie, you might not remember me but I worked at SASSLC in the salon! I am so saddened to hear of your husband's passing! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Always loved your joy you brought to all!

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