James Riley Yates age 69 of Griffith passed away on Thursday October 20th 2016.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Dana; daughters Deborah (Mark) Czazasty, Rebecca (Barrett) Starks, and Holly (Michael) Coddington. Grandchildren Megan (Bryan) Bergeron, Jeremy, Allison, Hannah, Macey, Cameron, Ethan, Logan, Brady, Emersyn, and Benjamin; siblings Charles Yates, Nancy (Art) Atkinson and Marie (Ken) LaBuda.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Georgia Yates, daughter Diana Lynn, and by 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday October 26th at 10:00am at White Funeral Home located at 921 W. 45th Ave. Griffith with Rev. Tim Powers officiating. Cremation will follow the services.

Friends may meet with the family on Tuesday October 25th from 4:00pm-8:00pm at White Funeral Home.

Jim was an avid bowler, fisherman and golfer. He was a former softball coach with Griffith Girls Softball. Jim loved substitute teaching in Merrillville, and having breakfast at the "Corner Café" in Griffith.

He was also the past President of the American Legion Men's Auxiliary.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given the American Diabetes Association.

For more information please call White Funeral Home at 219-9241-4100 or visit us at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com