James Kimmel "Jim; Kim" Yeater

James (lovingly referred to as "Jim" and "Kim" by many family and friends) Kimmel Yeater, 82, of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away on October 25, 2025. He was born on November 13, 1942, to the late Altah "Marian"Kimmel Yeater Callaway and John "Jack" Kerlin Yeater.

After graduating from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1961, Jim joined the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in California. It was there that he met the love of his life, Iris Y. Maldonado, 62 years ago. The two celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary just before his passing-a true testament to their lifelong love and partnership.

Jim spent his career as a telephone technician, retiring from Verizon (formerly GTE) after over 30 dedicated years of service. Known for his curiosity and skill with his hands, he could fix just about anything. His family joked that if Jim could find something to take apart and put back together, he surely would. A true jack of all trades, he passed those same skills and values on to his son, teaching him everything he knew.

Jim had a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor, often showing his love through sarcasm and laughter. He and his son even developed their own "secret language," full of twisted words and inside jokes, which soon became a family favorite way of communicating.

He loved watching Judge Judy, enjoyed watching sports-especially the Purdue Boilermakers, Chicago Cubs, and Indianapolis Colts-and never turned down a sweet treat, particularly those lovingly made by Iris and his granddaughter Jenna. While he often joked that he couldn't boil water, he made sure to help with the dishes.

Jim was deeply involved in his children's lives, serving as his son Jimmy's Assistant Scout leader throughout childhood. He even earned his CDL license so he could personally drive the Scouts to and from their events. He was also an avid camper, enjoying time outdoors and the camaraderie of shared adventures.

He is survived by his loving wife, Iris Y. Yeater; children James "Jim" (Julia) Yeater of Greenwood, IN, and Jacqueline "Kristie" Taylor of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren Jenna (Reid) Werner of Indianapolis, Jayme (Noah) Roleson of Denver, CO, Christopher Taylor of Columbia, SC, and Alexa Taylor of Phoenix, AZ; and the family eagerly awaits the arrival of his first great-grandchild, baby Werner, due February 2026. Jim was also a much loved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Jim is also survived by siblings Todd Callaway and Donna Boyce both of Lafayette and a very special sister-in-law, Elsie Maldonado of Puerto Rico. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Virginia Yeater, sister Cathy Gifford and brother-in-law Ron Boyce.

Jim will be remembered for his laughter, his endless tinkering, his love for his family, and the way he could make life's ordinary moments a little brighter.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the loving and caring staff of Home Instead, especially Jim's devoted caregiver, Eric, for the compassion and kindness shown to him.

Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Jim's life on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Tippecanoe Funeral & Cremation Services, 3631 Morehouse Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906. Please dress casually.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m.

Burial with Military Honors will take place immediately after at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, 1718 W 350 N, West Lafayette, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Humane Society of Greater Lafayette, Veterans Administration, or St. Ann's Matthew 25 Soup Kitchen.