James William Yates IV, died on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Buffalo General Hospital after a long illness.

Husband, Father, Father-in-law, Papa, Friend and Teacher are words that come to mind when thinking of Jim Yates. He was a selfless and loving provider for his family, which always was his priority.

Jim graduated from Augusta Military Academy in Verona, Virginia to later serve as a Combat Specialist in the US Army at Fort Kobbe, Panama. In June of 1969, he was part of the Elia Building Company team that dewatered Niagara Falls, USA.

A graduate of the University at Buffalo and Canisius College, Jim taught English for 29 years at North Park Junior High School in Lockport, NY where he served as the English Department Chair for many years.

He recently celebrated his 80th birthday with a neighborhood parade of friends and family. Jim was a lifelong Red Sox and Bills fan and enjoyed photography, dancing, fishing, classical music, painting, family vacations and never met a hamburger he did not love!

In addition to his wife, Carol (nee Trapasso) of 54 years; Jim is survived by his children, Kelly (Bill) Kras, Leigh (William Wallace) Yates, James (Sparkle) Yates; grandchildren, Alex & Julles, Adriyana & James and his beloved cat, Peanut, along with many friends.

A lover of poetry and English literature, to paraphrase John Donne's poem, "No Man is an Island" is most fitting, "No man is an island, apart to himself…so ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee".

There will be no prior visitation.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.