James Ronald Yates, of Leonard, passed away on January 15, 2018. He was 77.

Beloved husband of Marlene (nee Bartel) for 55 years; loving father of Jim (Donna) Yates, Yvonne “Dolly” (Jeff) Weaver, and Denise (Len) Phipps; proud grandfather of Jacob, Dylan, Andrew, Cody, Cole, Emily, and Joshua; dear brother of Dorothy (the late Emil), Morris (Nancy) Yates, and Dan (Kym) Yates; brother-in-law of Patti (Kenny) Newland.

Jim was a man of faith who loved the Lord. He was a Sunday school teacher for many years. He also loved his family, vacationing, hunting, fishing, being outdoors, watching and listening to the rain and he truly enjoyed working.

Jim owned and operated Yates Construction, Inc. for many years and was a member of IUOE Local 324.

Funeral Service Saturday, January 20, 2018 – 4 p.m. with a 3 p.m. instate at Rochester First Church of the Nazarene, 1799 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills. The family will receive friends Friday 1 – 8 p.m. at Modetz Funeral Home, 100 E. Silverbell Rd., Orion. Suggested memorials to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Online condolences www.modetzfuneralhomes.com.