James Alan Yates, 72, of Milam, Texas passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at his residence.

James was born September 8, 1951 in Athens, Texas to Cecil George Yates and Nettie Myril Partin Yates.  He was a longtime resident of Crosby, Texas and lived in Sabine County for the past three years.  He had worked for many years for Southwestern Bell Telephone as a Telecommunications Specialist until his retirement.

After retiring, James and his wife, Carolyn, moved to the Milam area where they built a home for their family to enjoy.  He loved working on his property, making it a place where there was plenty to do to have fun.  He liked fishing and hunting, but he loved traveling with his family, Alaska and Costa Rica being his favorite places to go.  He loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.  His greatest wish was for them all to experience life to the fullest.

James is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Yates of Milam; daughters, Jaime Snyder and husband, Chad, of Humble and Jenny Cothron and husband, Randy, of Crosby; brother, Richard Yates of Houston; sister, Paulette Taylor and husband, Randall, of Huffman; grandchildren, Makayla Windfont, Malik Windfont, Lily Cothron and Kira Cothron; and bonus grandchildren, Gabriel Snyder, Alyssa Snyder and Evan Snyder.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Nettie Yates; and brother, Jerry Yates.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023 in Starr Funeral Home Chapel, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill, Texas with Bro. Floyd Wright officiating.

Visitation will start 11:00 a.m. prior to service.

Burial will follow services in Harper Chapel Cemetery with Randy Cothron, Chad Snyder, Malik Windfont, Paul Taylor, Randy Taylor and Tommy Davidson serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, it is the request of the family that donations instead be made to The Women's Shelter of East Texas, 2401 Davisville Rd., Lufkin, TX 75901 or online at https://familycrisiscenterofeasttexas.com.

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.