James (Jim) Dwight Yarbrough was born on October 5, 1942 in Nashville, TN to Dwight A. and LaVelle Berry Yarbrough. Jim, his older sister, Pat, and their parents lived in many places during his growing up years, including Tennessee, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. In ninth grade, he moved to Bethany, Oklahoma and attended Bethany High School. At BHS, Jim played trumpet in the band and he played baseball. He became Drum Major and on his 50th and 60th Homecoming, Jim was honored to play the National Anthem for the football games. On the baseball team, he was the winning pitcher in the semi-finals of the state championship game. After graduating from BHS, Jim attended Southern Nazarene University (then Bethany Nazarene College). He graduated with a B.S. in Music Education. Jim married the love of his life, Jan Eagan, on December 20, 1963. They spent 56 wonderful years together. Shortly after their marriage, they welcomed adopted teenage son, Phil, into their home. Soon, they added their own children: son, Berry James, daughter JoAngelina (Jolina) Kaye, and son, Dan (Danny) Jefree. And a few years later, they welcomed bonus son, Ronnie Bacon. For several years, Jim taught music at Jones Public School. To support his growing family, he switched careers. He was a barber and business owner, and then assistant administrator for a nursing home. After many years, he returned to teaching and taught 4th grade at Rollingwood Elementary until retirement. Jim loved his family and ministry to others. He enjoyed music, sports, and his retirement hobby, computerized machine embroidery. His wife, his children and his ministry: While Jim and Jans children were students at his alma mater, BHS, he was very involved in school activities. He ran the clock at football and basketball games and participated in many other school activities. At church, during his childrens teen years, he and Jan were parent sponsors for church and many parties, retreats, snow ski and waterski trips. Later, he helped organize and build BLC Ministries, a non-profit youth outreach ministry. As a founding board member, he loved working at camps, Christmas in the Barn, and serving in the hot dog ministry. In his own home, he provided a safe haven for many young people through the years. His grandchildren: One of the delights of Jims life was his grandchildren: Hayden, T.J., Danika, Dylan, Braden, Landon, and bonus grandchildren: Rainee, Garrison, Anna, and Lily, and they were given the gift of being extra grandparents for Ashley. He had a special, unique relationship with each of them. He was always deeply interested in whatever they loved and was actively involved in their lives, from restoring a classic car to sharing special inside jokes to playing sports to working on computers with them. Viewing will be Thursday, 9am-9pm, with family present 6-8pm at Mercer-Adams. Services will be Friday, March 20, 2:00pm at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene with interment in Bethany Cemetery. His music: For over 40 years he played trumpet in the orchestra of Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, where he was a member for over 60 years. He performed with several singing groups through the years; in recent times, he sang with Stable Rock Quartet. A highlight for the Quartet was singing the National Anthem twice at Oklahoma City Thunder basketball games. His hobby: During retirement, he became interested in computerized machine embroidery and made many ball caps and t-shirts for friends and family. Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jan; son, Berry (Sandra) Yarbrough; daughter, Jolina (Terry) Renyer; son, Danny (Katrina) Yarbrough; bonus son, Ronnie (Jennifer) Bacon; sister, Pat Owens; sister-in-law, Sandra Eagan; sister-in-law, Sue (Paul) Irwin; grandchildren, Hayden (Berry), T.J. & Danika (Jolina), Dylan, Braden, & Landon (Danny), Rainee, Garrison, Anna, & Lily (Ronnie); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many others who loved him as Dad & Grandpa. Jim was preceded in death by his parents D.A. and LaVelle Yarbrough. Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Thursday, March 19, 2020 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Viewing Thursday, 9am - 9pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Bethany First Church of the Nazarene Friday, March 20, 2020 2:00 PM 6789 N.W. 39th Expressway Bethany, Oklahoma 73008