Jerome "Jerry" Lee Yates, 85, of The Plains, Ohio passed away, Nov. 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 3 years, winning the League Championship the 3rd year.  He coached youth football for 6 years before starting 15 years of coaching women's softball.  During his time coaching softball the team won numerous trophies including 3 National Championship Titles.  With this experience he was encouraged to apply for the Athens High School girls' varsity softball coaching position which he held for 9 years.  During this time the team won 2 league championships, was district champion for 1 year with Jerry receiving District Coach of the Year honors.  In addition, for 3 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 6 years.  During this period the team won 3 league championships and Jerry won 3 Coach of the Year Awards.  In addition to his other coaching positions, he found time to coach Upward Bound Basketball for 5 years.

Besides coaching Jerry also enjoyed playing softball and golfing.  He competed in several golfing tournaments, compiling several troph

In addition to his trophies for sports, Jerry was also given the Chauncey Dover Alumni of the Years 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 6 years, Judy Poffenbarger Grigsby Yates; two daughters, Regina (Jeff Knight) Thomas of Chauncey and Frana Yates of The Plains; a step daughter,  Holly (Steve) Sufronko of The Plains; a son in law, Chuck Buckley of The Plains; seven grandchildren, Richard (Missy) 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 1:00 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.