James and Janet Yoder

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved parents, James and Janet Yoder. Our father passed away on December 25, 2021 and our mother passed on July 27, 2025.  Mom and Dad shared a beautiful and loving life together in Des Moines, Iowa for over 65 years and their passing leaves a void in the hearts of all the who knew and loved them.

James Thurland Yoder was born June 3, 1931 in Ames, Iowa to Lester and Helen (Winegar)Yoder.  He graduated from Ames High School in 1949 and went on to earn a degree in Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, graduating in 1955.  He received his Master’s Degree in 1963.  He served in the US Army Corp in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas from 1955-1957.  In 1957, he entered veterinary practice at Starch Pet Hospital.  Years later he would be co- owner of University West Pet Clinic.  Dad was a highly respected veterinarian serving as President of the IVMA and was a lifetime member of the AVMA.  He retired from practice in 1992 and enjoyed his retirement as a tree farmer, hunter and fisherman but most importantly as a Papa to his four grandsons. 

Janet LaVonne McCoy was born May 13, 1934 to David Arthur and Thelma Leora McCoy in Ames, Iowa.  She graduated from Ames High School in 1952.  She went on to attend Iowa Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa and obtained a two-year teaching degree. She taught first grade for one and a half years in Washington, Iowa before moving to Chicago for six weeks with her husband and ultimately settling in Des Moines, Iowa. She went on to Drake University to complete her four year teaching degree and graduated in 1969. Janet dedicated her life to her family, while enjoying many activities that included church, choir, double quartet, needlework, PEO, gardening, and much more. Mom was most happy being a devoted wife, mother, aunt and nana and was a friend to all she met. Both Mom and Dad were lifelong members of Epworth United Methodist Church.

Mom and Dad were married on December 27,1955 and were blessed for 65 years, just two days short of their 66th wedding anniversary.

Jim and Janet are survived by their children, Lyn Dee (Mark) Darrah of West Des Moines, Iowa and Stephanie Diane (Tom) McLaughlin, of Norwalk, Iowa.  They leave behind four grandsons; James Erick Darrah, Gregory Thomas Darrah, Michael Irwin (Amber) Darrah and Madison James (Elizabeth) McLaughlin.  They also leave behind one great- grand-daughter, Lillian Lyn Darrah. In addition, those who survive them are several nieces and nephews. The two most loved and admired by their “Aunt Cracky” are nieces Roxanne (Harold) Bickelhaupt and Renee (Chris) Kayser.

A private family graveside service will be celebrated at a later date.