James Yates Jr.

James E. "Junnie" Yates Jr., 88, of Colonial Heights, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2014 at John Randolph Medical Center. Born in Remington, Virginia he was the son of the late James E. Yates II and Margerite Cmilansky Yates, and was preceded in death by a sister, Cathleen Johns. He was a member of Highland United Methodist Church, the Colonial Heights American Legion Post #284 for 54 years, and the Colonial Heights Senior Golf Association. Mr. Yates was a United States Army veteran having served in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, where he received two Purple Hearts and four Bronze Stars, and was retired from the State of Virginia Alcohol Control Board. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen Lingerfelt Yates. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2014 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard with the Reverend Dorothy O'Quinn officiating. Burial will follow in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg with military honors. An American Legion service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2014 with visitation to follow until 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Colonial Heights Food Pantry, 530 Southpark Blvd, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.