James Robert Yuhnke

A memorial service for James Robert (Jim) Yuhnke will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:30 P.M., at the Bear Creek United Methodist Church, 16000 Rippling Water Dr., Houston, TX 77084. Arrangements are under the direction of Brookside Funeral Home – Cypress Creek.

Jim was born on August 8, 1949, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Charles W. and Ladonna G. Yuhnke and passed away in Houston on January 8, 2025. At a very young age, Jim’s family moved to Waukomis, OK, where he grew up on a small street with 15 to 20 other kids. He attended school there and played on the high school basketball team alongside his older brother, Dick. Jim graduated from high school with the class of 1967.

Jim served his country in the Army National Guard from May 1969 through 1976. He was placed on active duty for a short time in 1971 to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Edith in Mississippi.

He attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University from 1970 to ’73, earning a degree in accounting. Upon graduation, he worked briefly for the Department of Defense Audit Agency before moving to the U.S. Energy Department.

In early 1975, Jim met Clydell Brown and began dating. They were married on March 27, 1976. During the late 1970s, they lived briefly in Oklahoma City when their eldest son Chad was born in 1977. In 1979, they moved back to the Houston area, where they made their home in Bear Creek, a place they’d call home for many years to follow and where their second son, Wesley, was born.

Most of Jim’s professional career turned to the oil business after returning to the Houston area, with 25 years of it being with Valero. He retired in 2015. As a devoted father, he coached Little League Baseball, Soccer, and Basketball, even serving as league President in 1988. Jim got involved in the community and served on the UD6 Water Board for 10 years (one as President in 2017). He and Clydell were long-time Bear Creek United Methodist Church members, where Jim served on the Board of Trustees and as Treasurer of the United Disciples Class. During his retirement, Jim's love for golf blossomed, and he spent many memorable hours on the golf course with his buddies.

Jim and Clydell shared a love for travel, embarking on memorable trips with his sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Linda & John Bagwell, as well as his brother & sister-in-law, Dick & Linda Yuhnke. These adventures were not just journeys but a source of joy and cherished memories for Jim.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Ladonna Yuhnke, as well as his beloved son, Chad.

Jim is survived by his wife, Clydell Brown Yuhnke (Cypress, Tx); son, Wesley Yuhnke (Houston, Tx), brother Dick Yuhnke & wife Linda (Enid, Ok); brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John & Linda Bagwell (Victoria, Tx); brother-in-law & sister-in-law Paul & Shelia Brown (Ganado, Tx); brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne & Cheryl Brown (Victoria, Tx) as well as many nieces & nephews.

The family is deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Your kindness has been a source of comfort.

A memorial service for James will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Bear Creek United Methodist Church, 16000 Rippling Water Dr., Houston, TX 77084. Immediately following the Memorial Service, please join the family for a reception at Sterling Country Club 16500 Houston National Blvd, Houston, 77095 (approximately 8 miles from the Church).

In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, cancer.org/dignitymemorial.com.