James Paul "J.P." Yates, age 83 of Loretto, passed away Saturday, December 16, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born January 31, 1934 in Holy Cross to the late William Jennings "Jinx" and Blanche Clayton Yates. He was a retired employee of General Electric and veteran of the U.S. Army. He loved hunting, fishing, UK basketball and his family.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 37 years, Mary Edith Hayden Yates; one daughter-in-law, Lisa Violette Yates; two sisters, Mae Greenwell and Jane Roberts; three brothers, Tommy, William Gerald and Joseph Leo "Dick" Yates.

Survivors include one daughter, Carol Haendiges (Kitty) of Louisville; three sons, Jimmy Yates (Missy) and Johnny Yates all of New Haven and Frankie Yates of Raywick; eleven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; one brother, Marcy Yates of Bardstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6785 Highway 52, Loretto. The Most Rev. William Medley and Rev. Bryan T. Lamberson will concelebrate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation is 3-8 PM Tuesday at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto with a prayer service at 7 PM by Rev. Deacon Joseph R. Dant.