WICHITA – James W. "Jim" Yates, 89, died June 21, 2014, at Cypress Springs Wichita Alzheimer's and Memory Support Residence. He was born May 22, 1925, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to James W. and Hilda (Manegold) Yates. Jim graduated from Abbyville High School in 1943.

He was a retired Major in the United States Air Force. He was an Air Force pilot and worked in FAA Flight Service. Jim was a member of the American Legion, Retired Officers Association, and a Mason.

On May 1, 1945, he married Virginia May Ginn at Randolph Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas. She died July 8, 2007.

He is survived by: children, Nathan Yates and wife Nonda of St. Louis, Mo., Barbara Yates and husband Kevin Van Velzor of Wichita, and Steven Yates and wife Sheila of Sioux Falls, S.D.; brothers, Joe Ginn of Goodland, Ed Ginn of Goodland, and Mike Ginn of Trenton, Neb.; sisters, Carol Mertis of Liberal, and Pat Rau of Hereford, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, James W. Yates, mother, Hilda Ginn, a son, Randall Yates, brother, John Ginn, and sisters, Angela Yates, Marion Rau, and Rita Wear.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Keith Dellenbach officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Burial will be in Partridge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 North Main St., Hutchinson, Ks 67501.