James "Jim" Ray Yates, age 61, of Chapmansboro, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife at his bedside. He was born in Springfield, Tennessee, on September 17, 1962, to the late Grady Ray Yates and Nancy Ann (Wilson) Yates. Jim graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Master of Business Administration, was a dedicated member of the Ashland City Lion's Club and a former Ashland City Councilman. He worked as a material utilization engineer at Workwear Outfitters (formerly Red Kap and VF Imagewear) for over 41 years. Jim worked his way up in management and travelled the world representing Workwear Outfitters. He was known as the nicest guy by his colleagues. He was a kind and friendly man who will be missed by all who knew him. He loved Titans football, tailgating, fishing, pontooning with his wife, and friends, and family. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Nancy Yates. He is survived by his loving wife, Valerie Blanton Yates; brother, Tim Yates (Joan); niece, Heather Kirkham (Brad); 2 great nephews, Daniel and Noah; and his beloved fur kitty, Darcy Dawn. Funeral service will be Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 1pm in the Chapel of Cheatham County Funeral Home with Darwin Newton, Tim Forsythe and John Denham officiating. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery in Ashland City, Tennessee. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 7th from 2pm to 8pm and on Thursday before the service from 10am until service hour of 1pm. Serving as pallbearers will be Colin Bosworth, Jimbo Bosworth, Donnie Phillips, Clint Hunt, Brad Kirkham, Dave Mixon, and Lee Hunter. Honorary pallbearers, all members of Ashland City Lion's Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ashland City Lions Club.
Cheatham County Funeral Home 615-792-2552 on-line condolences at www.cheathamcountyfh.com