James Richard Yates, 72, of Phillipsburg, MO, passed away Saturday, September 14, 2019. He was born August 20, 1947, in St. Louis, MO, to Laney and Leona Yates.

James was a Vietnam Veteran and served two tours of duty during the war. He was proud of his service and continued to honor his fellow veterans as a member of the Honor Guard from VFW Post 4107 of Lebanon. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. But most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren that loving called him Grandpa Bonkers or Grandpa Cheeto.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Ronnie, Bonnie, Betty, Mary and George.

James is survived by his children, Shellie Travis and husband Gilbert, Damian Yates, Joe Yates and Megan Cook and husband Caleb; grandchildren, Raymond and Allison Travis, Raymond Jeffries and Haley Yates, and Blake, Jack and Harper Cook; sister, Linda Yates; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.