THE PLAINS, Ohio — Jerome “Jerry” Lee Yates, 85, of The Plains, Ohio passed away, November 28, 2024, peacefully at his home, going to meet his Lord, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. He had been battling Parkinson’s Disease and heart problems and was a fighter to the end.
He was born July 6, 1939 in Chauncey, Ohio, to Arthur and Hazel Mingus Yates. He graduated from Chauncey Dover High School in 1957, with a perfect attendance record for all 12 years.
Jerry’s first job was working at the State Hospital in Athens. He left there to sell insurance and then moved on to work for American Electric Power. He found his calling at Hocking College teaching Business where he taught until retirement in 2003. Jerry attended Ohio University and Hocking College receiving his degree in business and his teaching certificate.
Coaching was a fun and fulfilling part of Jerry’s life. The summer after he graduated high school, he started his coaching career by coaching a Chauncey baseball team for three years, winning the League Championship the third year. He coached youth football for six years before starting 15 years of coaching women’s softball. During his time coaching softball, the team won numerous trophies including three National Championships Titles. With this experience he was encouraged to apply for the Athens High School girls’ varsity softball coaching position which he held for nine years. During this time the team won two league championships, was district champion for one year with Jerry receiving District Coach of the Year honors. In addition, for three years he was selected to coach the Southeast Ohio All Stars in their annual tournament.
In 2004, he accepted the position of golf coach which he held for six years. During this period the team won three league championships and Jerry won three Coach of the Year Awards. In addition to his other coaching positions, he found time to coach Upward Bound Basketball for five years.
Besides coaching Jerry also enjoyed playing softball and golfing. He competed in several golfing tournaments, compiling several trophies.
In addition to his trophies for sports, Jerry was also given the Chauncey Dover Alumni of the Year Award and inducted into the Athens High School Hall of Fame. He was a member of The Plains United Methodist Church, Trimble Lodge 557 F&AM, 32º Scottish Rite, Aladdin Temple Shrine and Athens County Shrine Club.
Jerry is survived by his wife of six years, Judy Poffenbarger Grigsby Yates; two daughters, Regina (Jeff Knight) Thomas of Chauncey and Frana Yates of The Plains; a stepdaughter, Holly (Steve) Sufronko of The Plains; a son in law, Chuck Buckley of The Plains; seven
grandchildren, Richard Thomas III, Derek (Val) Buckley, Ryan (Amanda) Buckley, Trace Buckley, Sean Buckley, Tyler Yates, and Courtney (Daniel Felter) Brown; also surviving are nine great grandchildren.
Besides his parents he is preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Buckley; a son in law, Kevin Brown; and a granddaughter in law, Angie Buckley.
Funeral service will be conducted Monday at 1 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens, with Rev. David Roach officiating. Burial will be in Hilltop Cemetery, Millfield. Friends may call Sunday 5–7 p.m. at the funeral home. The family thanks Fair Hope Hospice and Pallative Care for the excellent and caring service Jerry received. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
