Jack E. Yocum, 71, a resident of Pinchtown Road, Montgomery, passed away on April 29, 2010 in Hawthorne, Nev.
Jack was born to Charles and Arlene Gruver Yocum on Jan. 12, 1939 at Montgomery where he was raised and graduated from high school in 1957. At the time of his passing, he was residing in the same house in which he was born. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Yocum.
Jack is survived by his wife, Judy Del Porto Yocum; his children, Lauri Welteroth of Montoursville; Roxane Gleghorn, Stewartstown, Bruce Yocum, Montoursville and Jack (Tracy) Yocum, Jr, Hackettstown, N.J.; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his mother, Arlene Yocum, Montgomery; two sisters, Carol (Harry) Riddell, Elimsport and Donna (Kenneth) Black, Mechanicsburg; and one brother, Charles (Sharon) Yocum, Lansdale.
Jack served honorably and proudly in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years and retired as a 1st Sergeant after serving three combat tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the following honors while serving his country: Purple Heart; Navy/Marine Distinguished Service Medal; five Vietnam Service Medals; Navy/Marine Commendation Medal with Valor; two Navy Presidential Unit Citations; Combat Action Ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Frame and Palm; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Navy/Marine Unit Commendation; seven Marine Good Conduct Medals; 45 cal. Expert shooting Badge; and Rifle Expert shooting Badge. Upon retirement from the military, Jack was employed by the United States Postal Service at Williamsport, Pa. for 25 years.
He was Commander of Bower-Decker American Legion Post 251 at Montgomery from 1989 to 1994 and Financial Officer from 1993 to 2010. He was a member of the Lions Club for many years. Jack was a trustee and board member of the Clinton Baptist Church at Montgomery. He was a member of Muncy Lodge 299, Free and Accepted Masons and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Williamsport. Jack served as President of the Clinton Township Fire Company from 1982 to 1994. He was also a member of the Red Ridge Hunting Club.
Jack led an active, busy life and will be greatly missed by his large and loving family and his many friends. He was always helping others and contributed hours of volunteer time to the organizations he supported. God Bless you dear Husband, Son, Dad, Pappy and good friend.
A service of remembrance will be conduct by Muncy Lodge 299 at 6 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2010 at the Clinton Baptist Church, 60 Warren St., Montgomery. The memorial service for Jack will immediately follow with Rev. Larry A. LeFeBer, his pastor, officiating. Friends may call on Friday at the church from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Another gathering of Jack's friends and family will be held in Hawthorne, Nev. at 524 A Street on Armed Forces Day on May 15th at 1:30 p.m. A military burial will be held at a later date at Fairview Cemetery at Montgomery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clinton Baptist Church, 60 Warren St., Montgomery, PA 17752.
Please visit www.betzerfuneral.com to sign the guest book or send an e-condolence.
