James Donovan Yoakum

My father, Reed and Jim were classmates at Humboldt State University and were life long friends. As kid growing I knew of Jim's bobcat "Rufus." What many may not know is that Rufus appeared on Walt Disney's The Wonderful World of Color on October 14, 1962. Rufus had a small roll in the show that night "The Silver Fox and Sam Davenport."

The pronghorn, a unique and beautiful species, had a passionate advocate in Jim Yoakum. He lit the fire in anyone who worked with him and his legacy will live on in the lives of those of us who had the good fortune to know and work with him. Thank you, Jim.

I had the fortuitous opportunity to make friends with Jim due to my involvement with the North American Pronghorn Foundation (NAPF) and attendance at wildlife professionals' annual meetings. From day one he was a force to be reckoned with when it came to wildlife and conservation. Our personal relationship was initiated through a number of official visits and personal ones to his house outside of Reno. He was a valuable asset to the NAPF as a life member and professional advisor who helped us...

Jim was the consumate wildlife professional that set the bar at the top setting so that those of us who knew him and had the opportunity to work with him could strive to get up to his level. He was an inspiration for myself and many others in our pursuit of excellance in wildlife management and for some us to become competent wildlife photographers. Having hunted with Jim for pheasants many times, I hope there is an unlimited supply of shotgun shells as he and all of his wonderful...

A great friend, colleague, mentor and champion for all things wild....let's remember Jim's vision for the land he so loved.

The Hart Mountain Legacy

We envision Hart Mountain:
-- as a natural wide-open, pungent sagebrush-grassy western landscape, “Where Rolls the Oregon”;
-- home for pygmy rabbits, bighorn sheep, mule deer and pronghorn fawns to romp and play;
-- where the horned larks, blue jays and kestrels soar above “the Blue Sky Hotel” and nest in secluded pine...

Jim, perhaps even greater than your many accomplishments in wildlife conservation and elsewhere was the friendship we had over many years on a personal level, a friendship Evy and I cherished and will sorely miss. Our many visits to each others homes helped cement a relationship that few are able to achieve in a lifetime. We will miss you old friend. Robb and Evy

Jim was a Champion for the Pronghorn. There is no greater or more passionate advocate for Pronghorn conservation. He, with Bart O'Gara, helped raise the awareness of this unique North American mammal. Those of us who worked on the species owe a great deal to Jim. He was always eager to help students and established professionals alike by sharing his vast knowledge and most complete pronghorn library. No university collection is as complete. Jim, you will be missed but your influence on...

Jim was the greatest advocate for the American pronghorn and its habitat. His unwavering loyalty, his deep and profound knowledge of the species, and his critical, scientific mind are becoming rare commodities in our world today. Thank you Jim, for your complete committment to scientific stewardship of our natural resources!

Jim, knowing you and working with you on our favorite topic - pronghorn - has been an absolute pleasure that will always be one of the highlights of my life. Thank you for enriching my life and the life of all you encountered.