Charles J. “C.J.” Yocum
Charles J. “C.J.” Yocum, 76, of Rochester, Ind., passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026.
A Celebration of Life for C.J. will be held from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Rans Funeral Home in Kewanna, Ind.
C.J. was born on Oct. 15, 1949, in Mercer County, to Charles and Bessie (Lunsford) Yocum. As a child, he lived on a farm and helped his neighbors milk cows to earn extra money. In high school, he was a football player and he also ran track. He graduated from Mercer County High School in 1967.
While stationed at Grissom AFB after serving in Vietnam, C.J. met his future wife Janet Evers on a blind date and they were married on Aug. 26, 1973, while they were students at Ball State University.
During the couple’s 52 years together they raised two loving and successful children, Andrea (Peter Konshak) and Jason (Melissa) Yocum. He was also granddaddy to two wonderful grandchildren, Madeline and Harrison Yocum, who he loved greatly.
C.J. was a proud military veteran of the USAF, retiring after 25 years of service in both active duty as well as the reserves, including service ranging from Vietnam to Operation Enduring Freedom. Military service abroad ignited C.J.’s lifelong interest in world travel. He visited 51 countries during his life, with extended month-long trips to West Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America being highlights of his retirement.
C.J. was a teacher and coach for life, spending nearly 30 years in Special Education classrooms in MSD of Wabash County. During that time he took his students on countless field trips to experience water parks, professional sports games and many other exciting activities. During his career he was also a junior high football coach for 17 years, golf coach and Ski Club sponsor. He retired from teaching in 2005.
Sports of all kinds were C.J.’s life-long passion, including his favorites: golf, football, basketball, snow skiing, scuba diving, tennis and swimming. C.J. and his son Jason loved playing sports together, talking about the Colts and IU as well as attending his grandson Harrison’s basketball games. C.J. taught many people how to play golf and how to swim. He shot several holes in one and he also learned how to fly a powered parachute. Another passion was camping at Lukens Lake Campground, where he spent summer days for nearly 40 years.
C.J. enjoyed spending time at family events. He loved his wife Janet’s cooking and also loved country music. He also enjoyed playing cards and visiting Las Vegas.
C.J. was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings in Kentucky, Nancy, Betsy, Sidney and Judy, as well as his beloved in-laws, Leonard and Nancy Evers and brother-in-law Rick Evers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Outlet Youth Center, Rochester or Special Olympics through Manitou Training Center, Rochester, Ind.
paid obit.
