Memorial services for James P. Yates, 78, of Lompoc, will be at 4 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary with Rev. Robert D. Robison of North Avenue Baptist Church officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Montgomery, Louisiana.

Mr. Yates was born on November 8, 1928, in Aloha, Louisiana, to Finis and Nellis Marcum Yates. He retired from the United States Air Force at Vandenberg in 1993 with over 22 years of service. Jim later worked for Martin Marietta Corporation and retired from there in 1994. He was a member of American Legion Post 211 and Moose Lodge 1036.

He died Monday, July 30, 2007, at Lompoc Hospital.

Survivors include his daughters, Jane Ogden and Mary Ann Yates; sons, Ray Yates, Alvin Yates and Brian Yates; two sisters, one brother, numerous grandchildren, and loving companion and caregiver for 15 years, Sandra DeMars.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 604 East Ocean Avenue, Lompoc, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.