James B. Yates, 83, of Taylorsville, Mississippi, died Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Covington County Hospital in Collins, Mississippi. He was born Friday, May 31, 1935 in Philadelphia, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 8, 2019 from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Taylorsville, MS. Funeral Services will be held Friday, February 8, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church and the Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Sidney Davis and Bro. Gary Robertson will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Taylorsville is in charge of arrangements. (601) 785-6564

James was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and served as a deacon. He was fun loving, full of jokes and always had a smile on his face.

He was preceded in death by Sharon Janette Yates (Wife), William Henry Yates (Father), Lillie Mae Yates (Mother), Howell Yates (Brother), Charles Yates (Brother), Hartley Wilson (Great-grandchild)

Survivors include Renee Somerville (Daughter), Shannon Yates (Daughter), Debbie Shelby (Arthur) (Daughter), Winston Yates (Patricia) (Son), 9 Grandchildren (Grandchild), 17 great-grandchildren (Great-grandchild), Paul Yates (Carmen) (Brother), Jerrell Yates (Laura) (Brother), Ted Yates (Shirley) (Brother), Dan Yates (Susan) (Brother).

Pallbearers will be Mt Zion Baptist Church Deacons.

Honorary pallbearers will be grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com