He was born on December 23, 1934, to William Arthur Yeates and Ottis Ann (Hopson) Yeates on the family farm in Jasper, Texas. On January 18, 1964, he married Louise Therese Luquette and had a son, Michael and a daughter, Laura.

After graduating from high school, James served his country in the US Army Security Agency in South Korea. James was the first in his family to attend and graduate college. James worked as a sales manager for wiring and cable companies for many years before retiring back to the family land in Jasper.

James enjoyed reading, writing and classical music and authored several novels.

James is survived by his daughter Laura Young and husband Brian of Valencia, California; son Michael Yeates and wife Steffanie of Columbus; four grandchildren Matthew, Sean, Liam and Murphy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many close and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Louise Yeates; parents William and Ottis Yeates; and 10 brothers and sisters.

Memorial service will be January 10, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. Dale Alexander will be officiating.

Memorials may be given to The National Book Foundation, https://www. nationalbook.org/.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.