1932
James S.
2021
James S. "Jim" Yates
August 20, 1932 — August 7, 2021
Abingdon, VA – James S. “Jim” Yates, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 7, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn B. “Carol” Yates; daughter, Beth Y. Dean, and husband Mitchell; son, James Todd Yates; grandsons, Weston Dean, Derrick Yates, Braden Dean, and Max Yates; brother, Maynard “Pete” Yates; and several nieces and nephews.
Jim was born on August 20, 1932, in Lebanon, VA to Clarence William and Fanny Beck Thomas Yates. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth, Clyde, and Thomas “Tommy” Yates.
Jim’s education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Russell County, VA, and culminated at Steed College in Johnson City, TN where he received a business degree. Jim was employed by Nationwide Insurance Company for over 50 years, initially working as a claims adjuster, then serving the community as an agent. He gladly passed his business on to his son Todd and worked as an associate agent to complete his career.
Jim was a true outdoorsman spending a great deal of time hunting and fishing. His social involvements included civic volunteering with the Jaycees and spending time on the golf course with friends. On one occasion, Jim even surprised himself by shooting a hole-in-one at his most loved Glenrochie Country Club.
He celebrated life on a weekly basis with his famous steak grilling skills. Thoughtful, kind, and generous, Jim opened his home to friends and family alike. He was supportive to the younger generation and encouraged them to strive to become their best. His sense of humor and one-liners always kept everyone grounded and laughing. His real joy came from spending time with his grandsons. They referred to him as Jimbo, Granddad, and the GOAT (Greatest 0f All Time).
Please join our family in celebrating Jim’s life. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2021, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 21, at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church where Jim was a member for 45 years. Rev. Kevin Campbell will officiate. A private entombment will follow in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum of Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Trey Smith, Shane Poland, Jeff Johnson, Jay Johnson, Mark Yates, and William Denton serving as pallbearers. Jim’s best friend, Jerry Price, will serve as an honorary pallbearer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, 136 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, in Jim’s name.
Those wishing to share memories or messages of sympathy may do so online by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
The family of James S. “Jim” Yates is in the care of the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).
Jim was born on August 20, 1932, in Lebanon, VA to Clarence William and Fanny Beck Thomas Yates. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth, Clyde, and Thomas “Tommy” Yates.
Jim’s education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Russell County, VA, and culminated at Steed College in Johnson City, TN where he received a business degree. Jim was employed by Nationwide Insurance Company for over 50 years, initially working as a claims adjuster, then serving the community as an agent. He gladly passed his business on to his son Todd and worked as an associate agent to complete his career.
Jim was a true outdoorsman spending a great deal of time hunting and fishing. His social involvements included civic volunteering with the Jaycees and spending time on the golf course with friends. On one occasion, Jim even surprised himself by shooting a hole-in-one at his most loved Glenrochie Country Club.
He celebrated life on a weekly basis with his famous steak grilling skills. Thoughtful, kind, and generous, Jim opened his home to friends and family alike. He was supportive to the younger generation and encouraged them to strive to become their best. His sense of humor and one-liners always kept everyone grounded and laughing. His real joy came from spending time with his grandsons. They referred to him as Jimbo, Granddad, and the GOAT (Greatest 0f All Time).
Please join our family in celebrating Jim’s life. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2021, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 21, at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church where Jim was a member for 45 years. Rev. Kevin Campbell will officiate. A private entombment will follow in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum of Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Trey Smith, Shane Poland, Jeff Johnson, Jay Johnson, Mark Yates, and William Denton serving as pallbearers. Jim’s best friend, Jerry Price, will serve as an honorary pallbearer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, 136 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, in Jim’s name.
Those wishing to share memories or messages of sympathy may do so online by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
The family of James S. “Jim” Yates is in the care of the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James S. "Jim" Yates, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, August 20, 2021
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Farris Funeral Service, Inc. – Main Street Chapel
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