James R. Yocum

Captain James R. Yocum, 85, a retired Akron Police Officer, from Green, Ohio passed on to help guard the streets of Heaven on November 1, 2019 after a battle with prostate and bone cancer. He was privileged to serve the USMC from 1952 to 1955 and received an honorable discharge as a Corporal. His military occupational specialty was in Military Police. He was born in Hazelton, PA to the late William and Anna (Breise) Yocum. 

He was appointed a police officer in May 1957 and assigned a 3-wheel motorcycle. After 5 years in traffic enforcement and investigation, he was transferred to detective bureau on the Midnight Burglary Squad. He also served on the original K-9 Corps. Promoted to Sergeant, he was assigned as Assistant Director of Police Training. After earning another promotion to Lieutenant, he served as Commander of the Juvenile/Auto Theft Unit. He returned to the Training Bureau a year later and was promoted to Captain in 1980. He also served the Patrol Division and was Commander of Trick 5 and SWAT.

He graduated from the 114th session of the FBI National Academy. He attended the US Secret Service Dignitary Protection Seminar and was recognized by the USSS for his assistance in the responsibilities for dignitary protection when in the Akron area. He also attended training at the FBI academy on SWAT and Firearms. He was a founding member of Akron’s SWAT unit and trained the unit for over 10 years.

After retiring from the police department, he served as Director of Security for Bank One in Akron; a Special Deputy US Marshall; a Court Security Officer serving the US Courthouse in Akron. He was rated as a distinguished expert with a revolver while serving as CSO. Captain Yocum maintained his firearms certification with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and certified retired law enforcement officers to carry under the Law Enforcement Safety Act. He also instructed in the Ohio CCW program.

James was a member of Manchester United Methodist Church for over 50 years where he served as a trustee and many years as an usher. He was a 50+ years Mason and member of Wayfarer Lodge #789 where he served as Master and then secretary for over 20 years. He is a past District Deputy Grand Master and a member of Scottish Rite Valley of Akron, where he was a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award.

Along with his parents, James was preceded in death by brothers, William and Walter; sisters, Helen and Dorothy and granddaughter, Stephanie Dobbs. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Fredericka “Freddi”; sons, James and David; daughters, Kathleen Jett, Kimberly Conrad and Christine (Thomas) Perrine; 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Summa Hospice, especially Sonja Bolinger, for the love and care given to James.

Funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, November 8, 2019 at Manchester United Methodist Church, 5625 Manchester Road, Akron, Ohio 44319 with Pastor Craig officiating.  Family and friends may call on Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 3 to 7 P.M. at the Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road (SR 619), Akron, Ohio 44319.  Interment will take place at Hillside Memorial Park.  To leave a special message online for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107
www.schermesserfh.com

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