James “Jim” Newell Yoder (Bremen, IN) passed away on April 28, 2023 at his home at Lake of the Woods in Bremen.
Born on November 22, 1941 in Plymouth, IN, he was the son of Newell W. and Myrtle M. (Patricia) Hartman Yoder, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him was his brother Jeff Yoder of Plymouth.
He attended Plymouth High School graduating with the class of 1960. He served in the US Navy for four years (1960-64). Jim held several jobs over the course of his life with two of his favorites being a restaurant entrepreneur (Kentucky Fried Chicken of Bremen, IN and Nappanee, IN and Chicken Charlie’s family restaurant in Bremen) and a customer service specialist with Monaco Coach before retirement. Both of these roles suited Jim perfectly as it allowed him to show off his kind, funny, and servant-hearted spirit on a daily basis. In the 24 hours after his death, the family has been buoyed by so many reaching out with the same message: “He was one of the nicest people I have ever met.”
Jim’s last eleven years were filled with so many moments, pictures, and experiences with his six grandchildren who he adored. He enjoyed tinkering with anything small engine related, being anywhere near or on the lake, spending time with his family, and watching sports, especially the Indiana Hoosiers, Big Ten Basketball, the Bremen Lions, and Kentucky Wildcats Softball. He loved the many family dogs that preceded him in death during his marriage to Betty: Colonel, Shasta, Polly, Charlie, Quincy, Foster, and Harvey. His current dog Rizzo survives him.
James is survived by his loving wife Betty of Bremen. The couple married on October 23, 1976 in Plymouth at the First Presbyterian Church. They spent the majority of their over 46 years of marriage residing in their home at Lake of the Woods.
He is survived by three children, Adam (Whitney) Yoder of Nappanee, Liza (Brian Davis) Yoder of Lebanon, IN and Sam (Melissa) of Greenfield, IN; six grandchildren, Thayne and Maddie Yoder of Nappanee and Ryan, Nicholas, Gracie, and Benjamin Yoder of Greenfield.
Also surviving are four siblings including Steve (Marcia) Yoder of Sarasota, FL, Phil Yoder and Nickie (Dennis) Weidner of Plymouth, and Kristy (Louis) Spaid of Wheatland, WY, sister-in-law Barb (Dan) Umbaugh of Carmel, IN, brother-in-law Bill (Ginny) Mannan of Tuscon, AZ; along with many nieces and nephews
In lieu of a public celebration, Jim’s wishes were to be cremated. The family will be having a private celebration during the summer for family and friends.
If you would like to make a donation in Jim’s name, please consider the Marshall County Humane Society (https://mchsshelter.org/index.html)
Becki Hampton Felten says
Dear, Nickie, Steve, Phil and Kristy,
I was saddened today to read of Jim’s passing. At a time like this, memories come flooding back .. laughter, fun and time spent at the Yoder house during our growing-up years. May all of you find peace and comfort in your memories. My love to all of you!
Becki Hampton (and Paul) Felten
PHS 1962
Luke Workman says
Sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Always had time to visit whenever I saw him.
Luke Workman says
Sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Always had time to visit whenever I saw him.
Marla Miller says
Rest in peace, Chicken Charlie♥️ you will be missed by many♥️🙏🏼🕊🇺🇸
Linda Starr says
We are saddened by the loss of Jim. So many memories, mostly from high school days!
Please accept our sympathy! May he rest peacefully as he joins your mom and dad and Jeff in a great reunion!
Rita Simpson says
Jack and I are saddened by Jim’s death. He was always full of fun. Betty, our special prayers for you in this loss. I know you cared for him in his last days and that can be very hard. Your love for life and family will sustain you. Know that we are thinking of all of you.
Rita and Jack Simpson
Susan LaFree says
Betty and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan and Bryan LaFree
Charlie Glaub says
Condolences to you and your Family. Sending prayers!!!
Jill (Holmes) Snyder says
My deepest condolences to the Yoder family. Jim & Betty were longtime employers as I worked in their home with their children as well as in the restaurant. I hope the memories you all share and love of family and friends help you through this difficult time.
Milan Avery says
Most of my childhood was spent hanging out with Adam and the guys at KFC. Eating as many fries and Chicken Littles as possible, while Jim and the other dads were watching games in the TV room and talking about life.
Even as a child I could tell how much Jim cared for his employees. He would often give them second, third and sometimes fourth chances when most others in town had given up on them. And if anyone came in hungry but without money, Jim would make sure they got some food to eat.
We would spend many weekends at the lake house having sleepovers and Jim and Betty always made me feel like part of their family.
I am truly sorry for you loss. Jim was the kindest and most friendly man I have ever met.
Adam Yoder says
Milan, my man, we had a lot of amazing times with Jim! Feel free to reach out to me at adam@genyhitch.com
Sherry Renz Samar says
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers of comfort to Betty and family.
Rene Watson Mann says
“Uncle Jim” you have ALWAYS been adored and loved by our family… so many wonderful memories from our childhood with you.. you are with my Daddy now.. you too have fun!!
Rene, Lars , Billy Watson
And Lois too!!
Ron Bollman says
Steve, Phil, Nickie, Kristy, Betty and Family –
Jim was certainly, always, kind, and with a smile on his face when we would meet up in passing in years past. Know that I am thinking of each of you that you may have peace. May the Lord welcome Jim into his heavenly arms.
Ron Bollman
Anderson, IN
Tiffany Hardy says
I’m thinking of you at this time Betty. I’m so sorry.
Bob & Donna Taber Whitmer says
Our deepest sympathies to the Yoder family. Two in one year is a rough road to travel. May Jim & Jeff soar with the angels!
Jerry Holem says
Our sincere condolence to the family of Jim Yoder. May God’s blessings cover you.
Jerry & Barbara Holem
Shirley Gidley says
To Betty and all of the family
To Nicki and the rest of the Yoder family
So sorry to learn of Jim’s passing.
.
Sure do think of each of you with prayers and acceptance, which is very tough to do
God Bless.
Stacy Pynaert says
My condolences to you, Betty.
Randa warren says
Betty we are so saddened by Jim’s passing…our prayers to you and your family..Randa and Steve Warren
Clara Woolley says
Betty:
Jim had a special smile when serving customers Kentucky Fried Chicken. Being around him was always pleasant. You with all your family will have a hole that cannot be filled. Blessings to all.