This verse is part of a genealogical record. In the context of 1 Chronicles, its meaning is primarily to establish lineage and connections between different families and clans. Here's a breakdown:

"Shema became the father of Raham, the father of Jorkeam": This states that Shema was the ancestor (father) of Raham, and Raham was the ancestor of Jorkeam. It's establishing a direct line of descent.
"Rekem became the father of Shammai": This states that Rekem was the ancestor of Shammai.

In essence, the verse is saying:

Shema's family line continued through Raham, who continued through Jorkeam.
Rekem's family line continued through Shammai.

Significance:

Genealogy: The primary purpose is to document ancestry. Genealogies were vital in ancient Israel for establishing tribal affiliation, land rights, and often, religious standing.
Preservation of History: These records helped preserve the history and identity of the people of Israel.
Legitimacy: In some cases, lineage was crucial for legitimacy, especially regarding the priesthood and kingship. While this specific lineage doesn't directly relate to those roles, it contributes to the overall network of relationships documented in Chronicles.
Rebuilding After Exile: 1 Chronicles was likely written after the Babylonian exile. Genealogies were important for re-establishing the social structure and land claims after the return to the land of Israel.

Important Considerations:

"Father" can mean "ancestor": The term "father" in biblical genealogies doesn't always mean direct father-son relationship. It can refer to a more distant ancestor or founder of a family or clan.
Gaps in the Genealogy: There could be missing generations. The record is not necessarily a comprehensive list of every single individual in the line of descent.

In summary, this verse is a small piece of a larger genealogical puzzle, contributing to the overall goal of establishing and preserving the lineage and identity of the people of Israel.