James R. Yob, 71, of Allentown, died on December 7, 2008 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the husband of Rita A. (Reiss) Yob. They were married 41 years last February. Born in Nazareth, he was a son of the late Frank A. and Alice (Andrew) Yob.

He was a member and past deacon of The Parkway Church of Christ, Allentown. He was treasurer of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

A graduate of the Milton Hershey School and Temple University, he received a teaching degree in vocational education. He taught printing at Career Institute of Technology for 18 years, retiring in 1994. He was a past president, treasurer and negotiator for the C.I.T. local Teachers Association.

He played football for eight years professionally for Lebanon, Pa. Rams and the Calgary Stampede in the Canadian Football League. He was a past treasurer of the Lehigh Valley Club and Fourth District Society of Printing House Craftsmen. He was a deputy governor of the district. In 1988 he ran for office of international treasurer. He was a member of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation and the International Graphic Arts Educational Association.

He was a member of the Lehigh Valley A.S.A. Umpire Association for 25 years serving as financial secretary, treasurer and fastball umpire. He was an umpire with A.S.A., P.I.A.A., P.S.A.C. and the N.J.A.I.A.W.

Survivors: Wife, Rita; daughter, Tracy L. Graham and her husband, Cliff, of Allentown; son, Scott Yob and his fiance, Robyn, of Allentown; stepson, Wayne Yenser in Alabama; three grandchildren, Nikolas, Layla, Lauryn; nieces, nephews in the Kutztown area. Predeceased by a brother, Harold Yob.

Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Sell-Herron Funeral Home, 1145 Lehigh Street, Allentown. Viewing 10-11 a.m. in the funeral home. Contributions: Parkway Church of Christ, c/o funeral home, 18103. Published in the Morning Call on 12/8/2008