James Stewart Yates

A private funeral service was held on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at The Loflin Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Les Croft officiating.

He was the son of the late Stewart Waldron and Virginia Shortridge Yates and was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Teddi Kincer Yates.

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits James Stewart Yates who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Jim was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jim knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      James was born on February 17, 1941 at Richlands Hospital in Richlands, VA. He was raised in Grundy, VA. Even as a youngster, Jim learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      Jim's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Jim enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. For several years, he had a newspaper route that he did on his bicycle - it was a long route and he did it before going to school and then on the weekends.

Jim’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Grundy Senior High in 1958. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was band. Jim loved going on the out of town/state band trips.

      His practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without getting too distracted. He earned his BA degree in Economics from Emory and Henry College.

      Jim was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Jim was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Jim came to expect his high standards of performance.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Jim reveled in the security of his family. One of his most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Jim was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. As a Dad, he would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Jim was blessed with 4 children, two sons, David and Chris; and two daughters, Debbie and Cathi. He was also blessed with five grandchildren; Derek, Zach and Kelsey Woolard; Isaac and Rachel Absalom; Step grandchildren, Billy, Tessa and Faith Casswell. Great grandchildren were Colt and Cash Absalom, Molly Edwards. Step great grandchildren were Taylor Casper and Nova Casswell.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jim was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Jim was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Jim upheld his standards. His primary occupation was salesman and home builder. Jim was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Jim approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were videographer and cars. Jim was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but preferred to share his interests with others. Tops on his list were Nascar races and drag racing.

He was a member of Greensboro Christian Church for over 50 years. During that time, he was active in the Food Pantry ministry and videographer for church services and activities.

      Jim passed away on March 22, 2020 at Abbotswood in Greensboro, NC. He suffered from Lewy Bodies, a type of dementia. The services were held at Loflin Funeral Home in Liberty, NC. Because of the Covid 19, only family could attend. Service was viewed by many via livestream. He was laid to rest in Gilmore Cemetery in Climax, NC.

      All who knew him would agree that Jim lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. James Stewart Yates did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.