James Dale Yoder

James “Dale” Yoder- beloved son, brother, husband, father, “Poppy”, and friend, has gone Home December 4, 2024. Born in Souderton, Pennsylvania, May 21, 1935 and raised in Blooming Glen to Lloyd and Viola Yoder, he began his legacy of love. In the late 1940’s his devoted family opened their hearts with the help of Pearl S. Buck and grew from four to fourteen overflowing with love and becoming known as “Welcome House”.

As a toddler, the gift of a book for Christmas inspired Dale to read before age four, and from within the walls of his one room school house he would become a mentor to classmates and develop his calling to teach and connect with others. From that foundation of learning, he pursued history and graduated from Albright College, continued with a Master’s at Delaware Valley, and finally earned his PhD and became a doctorate of history from Lehigh University. From age four he filled his life and home with books and knowledge. He pursued countless opportunities to grow including a year fellowship at Stanford, and summers at Indiana and Vanderbilt. Dale was also an accomplished author with work including Pennridge Schools Through the Ages: A History of Excellence and Pearl Buck’s Living Legacy: The Welcome House Story. His ability to remember every detail was matched by his incredible excellence in storytelling and bringing history to life. Countless students enjoyed his classes throughout decades of teaching history at his alma mater, Albright College.

In addition to his love of learning, Dale loved playing and being part of a team. From his siblings and schoolyard sports to the recreation teams and all the way through his collegiate Hall of Fame recognition for years of excellence as an Albright student-athlete in basketball and baseball, Dale was a teammate for the ages. He made everyone better through his actions, character, and selfless efforts. As Albright’s long-standing head tennis coach, he brought such love for the sport and established a culture of belonging to countless Albrightians for decades. He even could boast being a featured “Face in the Crowd,” as seen in Sports Illustrated (1998) for career coaching wins. We all know it wasn’t just about the winning, it was about the effort, attitude, and opportunity.

While at Albright, his greatest moment happened when he met his beloved Belgian bride, Nicole Donnay, and together they built a lifetime of love. Married on September 8, 1957, they began their journey which centered back to Albright College where Dale became a history professor and tennis coach for five decades. Their love story was one of adventure, all while rooted in family, whether it was traveling in their Volkswagen Bus to Belgium and European countries or across the United States to California and everywhere in between.

During one of those decades Dale was so proud that his three daughters all graduated from Albright, experiencing similar joys in both the humanities and athletics. Albright had become home for all the Yoders, and a place like none other. Faculty, students, and friends all frequently gathered on their Neversink Mountain home to share laughter, fellowship, food, and fun, often with a fresh glass of iced tea or a scoop of ice cream with Dale’s special touch. It was a wonderful life, Dale would remark often.

Dale was dedicated to his college, students, and profession. He made time for everyone, and was fully present to be the best husband and father. Dale lived for his family, forever putting them first as his biggest pride and joy. If you were lucky enough to know Dale, you became part of his circle of love, and a member of his extended family. What a blessing this type of love is like, always feeling special, valued, and heard.

At age fifty, Dale’s new role, becoming “Poppy”, a grandfather, expanded his heart like never before. He was a natural, and with Nanny by his side, they devoted countless hours to the “Magnificent Seven” grandchildren, sharing love, telling stories, traveling hours to watch sporting events, playing games like “Oh Shucks”, while always being present. He even built a treehouse (twice), published The Shallow Creek Gang (a children’s adventure series), took families on countless vacations, hosted backyard picnics with an excess of Yoder sauce (ketchup), and modeled family first forever. His storytelling prowess continued with countless toasts at their weddings, birthdays, and celebrations.

Poppy and Nanny have also been blessed with great grandchildren as well, letting no obstacle keep them away. Poppy loved pinching their cheeks, telling more stories, and sharing infectious smiles, laughter and endless love.

Much like his own father, the first Lloyd “Poppy” Yoder, this generation’s Poppy was special. During an anniversary tribute to remember Lloyd Yoder, one of his former students remarked that, “Mr. (Lloyd) Yoder was known for his respect of others and his belief that there is good in every person” and that, “if you knew him, you loved him. If you were taught by him, you remembered him.” Poppy (Dale) Yoder often joked that the only true Poppy Yoder would be his father, but if you had the great privilege to know either Poppy, we know this nickname and sentiment is eternally fitting for both Yoder men and true gentlemen.

Dale will be missed more than words can convey. His family includes . . . Preceded in death Parents: Lloyd and Viola Yoder. Surviving Brothers and sisters: Sumi (Craig) Gerhart, Bob (Bev) Yoder, Ray Yoder, Lilian (Charlie) Walton. Preceded in death by his siblings, Jack Yoder, David Yoder, Paul Yoder, Charlotte (late Chuck) Strouse, Leon Yoder, Scott (surviving spouse Dee) and Frank (surviving spouse, Kathy) Yoder.

Surviving Wife and family: Nicki (Donnay)Yoder, Daughters: Michelle (Reed) Yoder Martin, Beckie (late Jeff) Lamborn, Laurie (Joe) Colitz, Grandchildren: Evan (Carly) Blum, Brian (Rachael) Blum, Garrett (Kara) Lamborn, Taylor Lamborn, Emily Blum, Tatum (Colin) Shannahan, JJ Colitz, Austin (Courtney) Martin, Great Grandchildren: Cooper Blum, Lily Martin, Jace Blum, Cody Blum, Atticus Martin, Jonathan and James Lamborn. Beloved Nieces, Nephews, Cousins also filled Dale’s Family Circle.

Dale made his mark in this world living a legacy of love and helping build a kinder world, and we are forever blessed for his impact.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for cards to Nicki, addressed to her home address (if you have) or to the funeral home (Dorsey-E. Earl Smith Memory Gardens,3041 Kirk Road, Lake Worth, FL 33461) where they can be held for Nicki. Additionally, if you desire, support the Arbor Day Foundation and honor Dale and Nicki’s love of trees and the beauty in planting seeds to sow love for the future.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Albright College at a future date to be determined honoring Dale’s wishes.