James H. Yocum

James H. Yocum, 98 of Centre Park, Reading, passed away on April 8, 2025.  Born in Reading, PA., he was the son of the late George Lehman Yocum and the late Helen (Jost) Yocum.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in 1947 from the Merchant Marine Academy.  Following that, in 1948 he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics cum laude from Harvard University.  In 1952, he received his Master of Business Administration from Harvard University. Mr. Yocum was a US Navy Veteran serving in the Korean War active duty from 1952 to 1954 in Korea and Japan.  

Upon leaving the Navy, he entered his family’s cigar manufacturing business, Yocum Brothers, Inc., holding positions of Vice President, Secretary and Director until the business was sold in 1957. That same year, with six partners, Penn Square Mutual Fund was established. He served as Vice Chairman of its Board of Trustees and as Executive Vice President of the management company which was sold in 1986.

He was a Mason, Shriner, and a Son of the American Revolution, as well as a long-time member of the Washington Library Company, the oldest men’s club in the Commonwealth. He was a Chairman of the Berks County chapter of the National Foundation, 1966-1968.  He was intimately involved with Reading Area Community College, since 1983.  He was a Trustee of the Kings Point Fund, since 1965 and vice president, 1968, president, 1969.  Jim was also a Trustee of the Reading Musical Foundation and its vice chairman in 1968.  

Jim was on the Board of Directors Wyomissing Institute Fine Arts, president, 1963-1967, 1970 Vice chairman Penn Square Commission, City of Reading, since 1979.  His memberships also include the Pennsylvania Society New York, United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association where he was president from 1978-1981.  He was also a member of the very exclusive Explorers Club of New York City.   

Although he was a member of many prestigious institutions and clubs, the apples of Jim's eye were three local institutions.  The first and foremost was the Yocum Institute. Over the years, the Institute has forged partnerships with schools and other non-profit organizations to increase access to the arts for both arts and non-arts outcomes. The Penn Avenue corridor is fully ADA compliant, and features expanded improved parking, an educational theater space, the versatile black box style Schumo Theater, expanded visual arts studios, six dance studios, the Holleran Gallery, a music wing for both private and group instruction, a secure arts-based kindergarten and preschool, a playground.   Jim was instrumental in selecting and supporting the Yocum Institute’s move from Wyomissing to the current location at 3000 Penn Ave in West Lawn.  In 2009, to honor his long-time dedication and support for the arts and art education, the Wyomissing Institute of Fine Arts was renamed the Yocum Institute for Arts Education. 

The second biggest love of Jim's life was the Reading Area Community College, where he was a trustee for over 24 years.  His roles over the years at RACC include Vice Chairman from 1966 to 1998 and again from 2000 to 2002 and chairman from 1998 to 2000 and 2002 to 2004.  He had a large influence on the college regarding its direction and growth.  He had established 25 Endowed Yocum Scholarships.  Jim's biggest gift allowed RACC to build the first new building on campus, the Yocum Library.  In recognition of his service, the Trustee Emeritus award was renamed to the James H. Yocum Trustee Emeritus award.  He was the first recipient of this honor. 

His third love was the Maidencreek Fish and Game Club, commonly known as the Fishpond.  His forebearers were charter members of the Club where Jim served as President of the Club for at least two decades. Jim was the oldest living member of the Maidencreek Fish and Game Club, where he had arranged and underwrote the cost of an addition to the clubhouse known as The Yocum Room.  Jim enjoyed the Yocum Room as many of the guests did.  This is where he loved playing cards with other members and guests.  When he was pressed for his bet, he would routinely say, “Chust a minute!”  We all waited for his “suck” bet, and he would usually win.  

He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, George Yocum.  He is the last living member of his family.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Margaret Catholic Church, 925 Centre Ave., Reading, PA.  Friends and associates will be received from 9:30 to 11:00 AM prior to Mass.  Burial will be held at Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Yocum Institute for Arts Education, 3000 Penn Ave., Reading, PA. 19609 or the "Foundation for RACC" to support the James H. Yocum Scholarship Fund, Foundation for RACC, 10 South 2nd St., Box 1706, Reading, PA. 19603

Online photos and memories of Mr. Yocum can be shared at http://www.cramp-hummelfuneralhome.com  CRAMP HUMMEL Funeral Home, Centre Park, Reading has charge of his arrangements. 610-375-4337

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