James Fred Yates

James Fred Yates, lovingly known as "Papa James," 78, of Sherwood, Arkansas, passed away on January 30, 2026.

James was born in Bastrop, Louisiana, to the late Joe Yates and Lola Henderson. A former Ashley County native, he was a proud 1965 graduate of Hamburg High School and later retired from The Kroger Co.

Papa James was easygoing and fun to be around - the kind of person who could make life feel lighter just by being present. He loved his family deeply and brought laughter, comfort, and steadiness to those around him. He made life better for many, and he will be missed greatly.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce Yates; his grandson, Brian Miller; his sister, JoAnn Quarles; his half-sister, Nancy Wilcox; his half-brothers, Billy Joe Yates and Joe Fred Yates; and his stepbrother, Ricky Eastwood.

He leaves to cherish his memory his stepchildren: Janice Culpepper (Montie), Carolyn Underwood (Ted), Rickey Miller, and Fred Griebel. His grandchildren include: Burt Gardner, Cheryl Kendrick (Matt), Alisha Stone, Matt Miller, Reagan Martinez (Juan), Rachael Griebel, and Drew Griebel.

He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Amber Stone, Ashlyn Green (Daryl), Callie Kendrick, Mia Martinez, and Lily Martinez, and his great-great-grandchildren: Joyce, Axel, and Bentlee Green, whom James adored.

Additional survivors include his half-brother, Butch Yates; his half-sister, Joyce Smith; his stepsisters, Glennis Holland and Bonnie Tumlison; his uncle, Herman Johnson; his nephew, Michael Carney; and his niece, Cindy Fletcher.

Funeral arrangements:

10:30-11:30

Wednesday, February 4th, 2026

Smith Family Funeral Home

7700 Hwy. 107, Sherwood, ar, 72120

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of James's life.