James Everett "Jim" Yoder

1929 - 2023

James "Jim" Everett Yoder

12/13/1929 - 03/01/2023

James Everett "Jim" Yoder passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at the age of 93.

He was born in Valdese, N.C., December 13, 1929 to Mary Alice Ramsey Yoder and Efird Johnson Yoder, who predeceased him. He is survived by Patricia Gaudino Yoder his loving wife of 47 years.

Also, surviving are his former wife, Josephine Perrou Yoder, and their daughters Jan Garris, Terri Brady (Mike) of Pensacola, Fla. and Laurie Yoder of Virginia Beach, Va., as well as, three grandchildren, Shannon Brady, Richard Garris (Mindy) and James Garris (Martha) and one great grandson, Dorian Garris.

In addition, he is survived by his sister, Sherron Prewitt (Gary) of Drexel, N.C. and his brother, Jerry Yoder (Patsy) of Valdese, N.C.; also, his sisters-in-law Elaine Stamper (Tony) and Roberta Brenick (Al) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. His niece, Hope Brenick, has been an invaluable asset in the past years.

Jim graduated from Drexel High School in 1947 and joined the army, serving two years in Korea. After an honorable discharge, he attended Berea College in Berea, Ky. and Appalachian State University, Boone, N.C.

He moved to Virginia Beach, Va., when he joined the Navy. His first two daughters were born in Virginia and his third daughter, Laurie, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, where he was deployed for two years. While in the Navy, he earned a graduate degree in Business Administration. He retired from the Navy in 1965.

Jim later met his second wife, Pat and they enjoyed nearly half a century together enjoying a wonderful and full life of adventure travel, dinners with friends, shows and many other experiences. He was a devoted caretaker of her, as well, when needed.

After several weeks of playing the sport he loved, golf, he began a new career as a salesman with Arnold Graphics where he employed his personal trademark of never meeting a stranger. He was always ready with a joke or story to share. In addition, he was a voracious reader of nonfiction and loved poetry, and was a watcher of all sports on TV. For many years he belonged to the Norfolk Sports Club, the Italian Club, and was a supporter of the Norfolk Tides, was a season ticket holder to several of the community theaters and enjoyed seeing shows and supporting the Arts. He was always willing to help anybody that needed it. He loved his ice cream and cookies (especially from his niece). He always said he never met a cookie he didn't like!

He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hampton, Va.

A funeral Mass and inurnment will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 2150 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, VA 23666 on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. followed by military honors and a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Immaculate Conception Church and specify the food pantry.