James J. Yoch Jr. *66

James Yoch, a professor of English at the University of Oklahoma who challenged his students there for 50 years, died Oct. 12, 2018, at the age of 80.

Yoch graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1960. In 1963 he earned a master’s degree and in 1966 a Ph.D., both in English from Princeton. His career awards included the Oklahoma Medal for Excellence in College and University Teaching in 2008.

Yoch’s teaching of Shakespeare led students to grow and achieve. Generations discovered the pleasures of plays through performance. In addition to Shakespeare, Yoch taught many other courses, including “Literature in Landscape” and the “History of Landscape Architecture.” An expert in the preservation and restoration of historic landscapes, he designed landscapes for private residences, university campuses, and other sites.

He loved exploring the intersection of art, literature, and landscape design, and created the contemporary authors series from 1968 to 1978 that brought major authors to Oklahoma to start the creative writing program. In addition to scholarly articles, Yoch wrote on landscaping and also wrote a script for a PBS program.

Yoch is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy; two sons; and three granddaughters.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.