James Youde

A memorial service for Jim Youde, age 79 of Apache Junction, Arizona, will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford.

Visitation will be at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 5 - 7 pm.

Interment with Military Graveside Rites will be at Milford Cemetery on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 10 am.

James “Jim” Allen Youde, son of Vernita and Robert Youde, was born on October 21, 1945, in Spencer, Iowa. He grew up in Milford and graduated from Milford Community High School before continuing his education at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

On June 14, 1967, Jim proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country with honor and achieving the rank of E5 before his honorable discharge on March 19, 1971.

Jim was united in marriage to Ronda Ridenour on June 2, 1973, in Spencer, Iowa. Jim worked as an inhalation therapist, and Ronda pursued a career in retail clothing. Their careers took them across the Midwest, with stops in Omaha, NE; Peoria and Morton, IL; Dayton, OH; and Noblesville, IN. No matter where life took them, Okoboji remained their true home. They returned there each year to vacation and ultimately retired to their beloved cabin on West Okoboji in July 2019.

Following Ronda’s passing in August 2020, Jim relocated to Mesa, Arizona, where he lived until his passing on June 16, 2025.

He and Ronda cherished time spent boating, playing cards, and making memories with nieces, nephews, and loved ones. Jim had a gift for conversation and truly enjoyed visiting with others.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Janet Wiese; brother, Jon (Cathy) Youde; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Vernita and father, Robert; wife, Ronda; and brother-in-law, Bob Wiese.