It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation staff announces the passing of Admiral Paul Alexander Yost, Jr. on February 9, 2022, in Provo, Utah.

Admiral Yost became the first President of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation on June 1, 1990, the day after serving as the 18^th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. Admiral Yost graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1951, was a graduate of the United States Naval War College, earned a master’s degree in International Affairs from George Washington University and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut. He was a Combat Veteran of Vietnam (1968-69), earning awards that include the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star and Legion of Merit with combat "V."

As President of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, he worked for two decades implementing, supporting, and growing a graduate fellowship program for secondary teachers to study the United States Constitution and United States History. His commitment to and goals for the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation have provided for America’s most prestigious program and fellowship award for secondary level history, government, and civics teachers to become outstanding scholars of the United States Constitution.

Admiral Yost’s dedication to his country, his military career, and the James Madison Foundation were on a par with his dedication and devotion to his family, most especially, the love of his life, his wife Jan, whom he lost last December, and their five children, their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

For those of us honored enough to have worked with Admiral Yost, our James Madison Foundation family; and for all the James Madison Fellows fortunate enough to have met and interacted with him, we have fond memories of a gentleman, a mentor, a leader in all things. His smile, his laugh and his guidance will be deeply missed.