James Harvey Yoakum
Born August 5, 1942, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to James Harold and Ludia Yoakum. Passed March 13, 2023, peacefully at home on Meadow Green Farm in Longmont. Colorado.
Much could be written about the life and accomplishments of Harvey Yoakum, but his most important and significant legacies are reflected in the lives he touched. Always a mentor to anyone whom he met, he loved sharing his knowledge, enthusiasms, and positive outlook. His everyday demeanor was invariably upbeat, optimistic, generous, loving, strong, and caring. Lasting friendships were his greatest gift to those who encountered this talented and compassionate man.
It wasn't long after Harvey was born that Harold and Ludia knew he was more than just their wonderful son. He was going places! From a youngster he was always busy . . . mowing lawns, sacking groceries, working at the family Tastee-Freeze in Del City, always on the move and just a small indication of what was yet to come.
After his 1960 high school graduation, Harvey briefly attended Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, but college didn't fit his agenda. He soon returned home where he worked at the Wilson Company, a beef-processing plant in the stockyards where he began learning the beef industry inside and out.
Harvey and Arlene Nation married prior to him being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. He was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington for basic training and served in the Veterinary Corps. After two years' service, he was honorably discharged but remained with the Army Reserve until 1972.
Upon his army discharge, he and Arlene moved to Abilene, Texas where he worked for Gooch Blue Ribbon Meats, they soon moved to Midland where he was given the responsibility of starting a new processing facility and expanding the company presence in West Texas. While in Midland, Harvey and Arlene started their family with the birth of James Charles Yoakum in December 1968.
Harvey continued his pursuits in the beef industry and the family moved several times in Texas until 1972 when David Wilhelm called. David chose Harvey to expand his business in the Rocky Mountain area and beyond going internationally. In May 1973 they welcomed Kimberly Ann Yoakum into the family.
Harvey became very acquainted with the Longmont community in a hurry; at that time Longmont was a Main Street America town with businesses along Main Street and surrounded by farms. In 1975 he was filling his car with gas at Korte Tire. Fred Korte asked him to have breakfast and explained that he was looking to retire and sell his business to Harvey. Harvey only hesitated for a moment and the next day the two men had agreed on a price and within a few weeks Yoakum Tire & Oil Co. became a fixture on Main Street.
Harvey soon left the beef industry to run the tire shop full-time and took on many business endeavors. He became a fixture and a force in the community, joining many charitable organizations and spearheading numerous initiatives that would have a great impact on the community. He was a long time Rotarian and was asked to charter and became the first president of the Twin Peaks Rotary Club. He coached little league baseball, and when Hygiene team needed a new place to play organized a group to build a diamond behind Clover Basin Reservoir. He was a big supporter of the Boulder County Fair and 4-H Clubs. He had a lifelong love of anything agriculture, especially horses and cattle which he stayed active with right up until his passing.
In 1987 Harvey and Carol Oswald married in a simple ceremony beginning a love and partnership of 36 years. Carol fully supported Harvey in his many business endeavors, with Harvey seeking her advice, her perspectives, and her hands-on help working side by side Their business interests took them from Colorado to Texas to Kansas and back to Oklahoma where they put together several commercial and residential projects, all of which benefited the communities in which they were involved. Their personal sanctuary was their home at Meadow Green Farm in Longmont, Colorado.
Harvey's banking association began in the mid 70's. That association with banking and business endeavors led him to Adams Bank & Trust some thirty years ago. What started out as a business relationship soon developed into a deep friendship with the Adams Family.
Harvey could reach across generations to connect with people. He always saw potential in others when they often failed to see the promise and opportunity within themselves. He wanted everyone he met to use their God-given talents to their best abilities and his character invariably enriched the lives of those he mentored. Others felt better about life and its possibilities after an encounter with his energy and charisma.
Harvey's extraordinary memory enabled him to recall people and events in the finest details. He was genuinely interested in the people he met. He cared about what they were doing and what were their hopes and concerns. He loved sharing the details of daily living with friends. Harvey was truly a man in full.
Harvey's spiritual faith was deep and everlasting. His greatest passion was always his faith in the Lord and love for his family. His voice encouraging everyone to care for and love one another will continue to be heard by those whose lives were touched and changed by this extraordinary man.
His daily presence will be missed, but family and friends will forever cherish the love, and memories that Harvey left with them.

In Longmont Colorado the memorial service will be held at the Life Bridge Church on March 22nd at 1:30pm (10345 Ute Hwy, Longmont CO 80504). Reception following at TPC Colorado in Berthoud (2375 TPC Parkway, Berthoud CO 80513)
Harvey will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Paul's Valley OK
In Paul's Valley Oklahoma the memorial service will be held at the Trinity Baptist Church on March 25th at 11:00am (108 Loftin Ln, Paul's Valley OK 73075)