James P. Yerkey

James P. Yerkey, 85, of Atkinson, IL, passed away on January 17, 2025, at Hammond Henry Hospital-Geneseo. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory-Geneseo Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Concordia Lutheran Church-Geneseo with Rev. Stephen Mueller officiating. He will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery-Geneseo. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the James P. Yerkey Memorial Fund. Condolences can be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com

Jim was born in Aledo, IL, on July 15, 1939, the son of Harold and Louise (Parkman) Yerkey and was baptized in the College Avenue Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Aledo High School Class of 1957 and then attended Colorado State University and Monmouth College before returning home to work on the family farm. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1960 and was honorably discharged. He married Marilyn Rahn on June 3, 1961, in Geneseo, IL and she survives. He was a lifelong grain and livestock farmer, and it started when he won Grand Champion of the International Livestock Expo in Chicago, IL. Jim was a faithful member of Concordia Lutheran Church and was very active in his community serving in many organizations including 4-H leader of the Hooppole Hot Shots, Henry Co. Board, Alba Twp. Supervisor, Green River Drainage Trustee, Chairman of the First Farm Credit Board, Henry Co. Farm Bureau, Henry Co. Beef Association, and American Angus Association. Jim was an avid Fighting Illini fan, enjoying the most meaningful moments with family.

Those left to cherish his memory are loving wife of 63 years, Marilyn Yerkey, daughter, Tina (David) Poel of Atkinson, daughter-in-law, Sara Yerkey of Geneseo, brother-in-law, Ed Schulmeister of Crystal Lake, IL, sister-in-law, Karen Yerkey of Salida, CO, grandchildren; Allison (Garrett) Donaldson, Claire Yerkey, Emma Yerkey, Julia Poel and Anna Poel, great grandchildren; Noah, Gloria, and Elijah Donaldson, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Louise Yerkey, son, Timothy Yerkey, brother, Thomas Yerkey, sister-in-law, Lois Schulmeister and cousins, Blaine and Dwight Shoemaker.

Special and sincere thanks to Annawan-Alba Fire Department and Hammond Henry Hospital staff.