James Yoder

James Howard Yoder, also known as Jim or Grandpa Joe, passed away on May 8, 2024, in Hilton Head Island, SC, at the age of 82. He was born on January 19, 1942, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966.

Jim spent the working portion of his life in Pittsburgh, PA where he had a successful 20 year career in medical sales before transitioning to teaching elementary school until his retirement in 1996 to Hilton Head Island, SC. and became a member of the Sea Pines Country Club. He was a proud graduate of Altoona High School and held a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA.
 
In his free time, Grandpa Joe enjoyed amateur radio.  After being licensed as call sign K3GEV in 1957 he attained Extra Class and Examiner status, speaking to ham radio enthusiasts in over 100 countries.  Jim served 17 years as a Coxswain and Examiner in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and also enjoyed fishing, tennis and playing with his grandchildren.   He traveled with his wife Nancy to all 50 states and 38 countries.  

Jim maintained a fantastic sense of humor until the end, and his family knew that they would soon be regaled by a humorous anecdote when Jim announced his iconic, “I bet you are wondering why I’ve gathered you all here today”.  His greatest stories revolved around the origin of hush puppies and the numerous times his dog took the city bus unaccompanied when Jim was away at college.

He was a dedicated family man and is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Yoder, his sons Michael Yoder (Christine) and Stephen Yoder (Alyssa), and his grandchildren Ava, James, Riley, AnnaLeigh and TessaRose. He was predeceased by his father Harold Yoder, mother Naomi Yoder, childhood dogs Fluffy and Teddy, and his stray cat Cat.

A private memorial service will be held at the ocean at the year's end to honor Grandpa Joe's life. A special thanks to Right at Home and Hospice Care of the Low Country for taking such great care of Jim in his final days.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice Care of the Low Country (www.hospicecarelc.org).