79, of South Pekin, IL
James Yocum, 79, of South Pekin, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on January 22, 2026. He was born on December 7, 1946, in Macomb, to Clair and Leona (Spangler) Yocum.
James devoted more than 40 years of his life to military and federal service. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and later in the United States Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. After his military retirement, he continued supporting the mission as a civilian for several years.
Throughout his career, James was stationed in numerous locations, including Germany, where he met and fell in love with the woman who would become his wife. He supported major operations including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving with the quiet professionalism that defined his life. His dedication was reflected in the many honors he received, including the German Army Marksmanship Badge, Excellence in Competition Rifleman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and several others — some awarded multiple times.
On January 12, 1985, he married the love of his life, Sodsai Anna Thongbai, in Bushnell. Together they built a life grounded in loyalty, strength, and deep mutual understanding. She survives.
Also surviving are his daughter, Veronica Nichole Yocum of Conroe, TX; three sisters, Marcia (James) Wood of Surprise, Arizona; Dana Ford of Lewistown; and Karen (Ken) Cameron of Bushnell; along with several beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Jeff Rowe; and a brother-in-law, Tom Ford.
James was known for being direct, honest, and unwavering in his principles. He never sugarcoated the truth and believed if you asked for his opinion, you would get it — whether you were ready or not. He carried a dry, often sarcastic sense of humor, appreciated most by those who knew him well.
Earlier in life, he never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. A natural problem-solver, he loved to “piddle,” work with his hands, and figure out how things worked. Farming had always been a dream of his, though his path led him to a long and honorable military career. He had a gift for mechanics and could almost always diagnose and fix whatever was broken.
Cremation rites have been accorded by Martin-Hollis Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James’s honor to Wounded Warrior Project, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation, or to MD Anderson Cancer Center to support cancer research.
