AVA – James L. Yoder, age 61 years, 11 days, peacefully departed from this life on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at his home in Ava, Illinois.

James was born on September 8, 1965, in Tuscola, IL, to Lonnie F. and Martha (Schrock) Yoder. He married Erma Louise Herschberger on April 2, 1992, in Sullivan, IL. James was a member of Pleasant View Amish Church, Ava, IL.

James is survived by his wife, Erma Louise (Herschberger) Yoder, his children: Mary of Ava, IL, Samuel married to Wanda Mast of Greenville, PA, Rosanna of Ava, IL, Lonnie married to Kaylene Beachy of Ava, IL, Edwin of Ava, IL; his grandchildren: Jared, Jayvyn, Adrian, Kierra, Milan; his parents, Lonnie and Martha Yoder, his siblings: Rosanna of Arthur, IL, Paul married to Mary Louise Schrock of White Cloud, MI, Ada of Arthur, IL, Wilma married to Reuben J. Mast of Ava, IL, Edwin married to Irma Kauffman of Ava, IL, Cephas married to Dena Hochstedler of Murphysboro, IL, and Elizabeth Ann married to Marcus Chupp of Arthur, IL.

James was preceded in death by his eight uncles and one aunt.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 9:30 am, Community Center, 584 Bollman Road, Ava, IL, with Edward Lambright officiating. Burial to follow at Pleasant View Amish Cemetery, Ava, IL. Visitation will be Monday, September 21, 2026, where friends may call from 2:00 – 4:00 pm, and 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Tuesday September 22, 2026, 10:00 – 12:00 pm, 1:00 – 4:00 pm, and 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Community Center. To sign the guest book, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the prayers, encouragement and help that have been offered in the past months and during this time.