Mr. James Thomas "Tom" Yocum, 84, of Pooler, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Hospice Savannah surrounded by his loved ones.

Tom was born in Portland, Oregon but the family relocated to Dalton, Massachusetts, where he "grew-up".  Tom enjoyed a carefree childhood in Dalton and was fortunate to have made life-long friendships with "Da Guys", Doctor Dick, George and Jim.  These guys meant the world to him.

Tom was expected, as many were at the time, to go to college after graduating High School.  Instead, he and one of "Da Guys" decided to join the Army!  His parents were not happy to say the least, but Tom was successful in the Army and all other career paths he chose from that point on.  After Boot Camp, Tom was stationed in Fort Stewart, Georgia where he wandered through Bloomingdale, Georgia in his convertible Chevy one sunny afternoon where he made the acquaintance of Susan Shearouse.  Sue and Tom married in January of 1962 and headed out to Germany, courtesy of Uncle Sam!  In Germany, Tom's little princess was born and three years later in Oakland, California, he welcomed his "pride and joy" – a BOY!

Many years later, Tom was working as a Boilermaker in Juliett, Georgia, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Prather Farmer.  Tom and Barbara were married in 1981 and celebrated 39 years of marriage.  Tom and Barbara continued to raise their three combined children.  They went on to boast about their 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, which they enjoyed and spent much time with.

Tom was a very special man.  He was kind, considerate, funny, smart, humble and very conscientious.  Saying he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him is an understatement.

Rest in Peace our sweet Daddy.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Prather Yocum, and his parents, Thurston Lloyd Yocum and Margaret Bales Yocum.  Tom served in the United States Army, retired from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers local 26 and the Bibb County Industrial Authority.

Survivors include his children, Jenny Yocum Koch and Robert Yocum, step-son, Jeffery Farmer, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

There will be a private graveside funeral and burial at the Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL (912) 748-2444