Ray Jochum
“Keeping Santa’s Traditions”
St. Henry, Indiana
1916 – 1992
International Santa Claus Hall of Fame Charter Member – December 2010
Ray Jochum – St. Henry, Indiana
Replacing a legend is never easy, even in the world of Santa Claus. Ray Jochum began playing Santa at the age of 22 in 1938 in St. Henry, Indiana.
He built a strong reputation in the communities surrounding Santa Claus, Indiana, appearing in parades in Huntingburg, Jasper, and throughout Dubois County, though he never achieved the national recognition of Santa Jim Yellig.
When Santa Claus Land began closing during the Christmas season in 1978, Jochum stepped in to fill the gap. He opened his own farm, Lone Oak Farm, as a holiday attraction, welcoming children each Christmas season. His wife Frances, supported the effort by baking as many as 6,000 cookies to hand out to visiting children.
After Yellig’s death in 1984, Jochum became the official Santa Claus of Santa Claus Land, a role he held until his death in 1992. He was 75.
