In Memory
James Dale Yates
December 21, 1949 ~ October 1, 2026
James (Jim) D. Yates went home to be with his Lord on October 1, 2026, after struggling with a terminal illness. He was 76 years old.
Jim was born on December 21, 1949, in South Bend, IN to Cecil Yates and Delores (Utterback) Yates. Both of his parents have preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Yates, daughter Michele (Josh) Post and granddaughter, Adelynn Rae Post, all of Spring, TX. Also surviving are his sisters, Diane (Allen) Sikorski of South Bend and Elaine (Randy) Singleton of Plymouth, his brother Gary (Lisa) Yates of South Bend, his father-in-law Dale F. Cranmer of Mishawaka and Sister-in-law Lisa Fry of Mishawaka plus many nieces of nephews who he dearly loved. His mother-in-law Delores Cranmer and brother-in-law Dale G. Cranmer preceded him in death.
He was a graduate of Riley High School and lettered in football there. After high school, he attended Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo and from there went into the army for a stint just shy of 2 years. He served as an MP at Ft. Campbell, KY for his entire enlistment.
Jim's first job after serving our country was at Armco Steel and he worked there until June 1976. At that time, he went to work for then Bendix Brake and Strut which later became Allied Signal and ultimately Honeywell Corp. He retired from there in April 2007. Finding that retirement wasn't all that it was cracked up to be, he found a part-time job at the University of Notre Dame, Hesburg Library, as a Security Monitor. This was a match made in heaven as there was no bigger ND fan than Jim. He continued working there in various capacities until moving to TX in 2015.
Jim enjoyed all kinds of music but loved country western music the most. He enjoyed playing golf with his family and friends. Euchre was his game of choice and was very proud of his success rate when calling a "loner". If an inanimate object can be a source of joy, then Jim's yard was the source of great pride and joy. He loved to mow, blow, trim and edge, winning yard of the month at his home in TX the second year after moving there.
Mostly though Jim loved Jesus, his family (particularly his granddaughter) and his friends. He had a servant’s heart which was on full display when there was a need. He loved his churches (Southgate Church, South Bend and The Crossing Church, The Woodlands, TX) and serving those who called it home.
During the course of our lives, most of us have different names we respond to. This was certainly true for Jim. From his wife, it was Honey, Sweetie, Hunk-O-Burning Love, Silver Fox and sometimes James Dale. From his daughter, it was Daddy. From his son-in-law, it was Dad. From his granddaughter, it was Papa. From his family, it was Jimmy and often Uncle Jimmy. From his northern friends it was Jim but those in the south frequently referred to him as James. From his Honeywell coworkers, it was Union Steward Yates. From the library, it was Security Monitor Yates. From his friend Bill, it was "a Buddy is a Buddy True". From his friend Jeff, it was A Man's Man. From his friend Ron, he was a fellow ND and Yankee fan. Everyone found him to be likeable, hardworking, and faithful. The most important name, however, came from his Heavenly Father; "Well done thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord", and he has.
Visitation for Jim will be held from 10am-12pm on Saturday October 10, 2026, at Southgate Church, 3717 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46614. A funeral service will begin at 12pm and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend where military honors will be rendered.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to Southgate Church, 3717 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46614 or Nantz National Alzheimer Center, Houston TX by using this link: https://www.houstonmethodist.org/giving
Online condolences may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
10/06/2026 djb
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