James Stephen Yearwood

Jim was a beloved father, a devoted husband, a committed teacher, and an avid storyteller. He spent his life trying to make the world a better place by giving of his time to those around him. Throughout his life he enjoyed traveling the world and learning about other cultures and people, opening his home to house family and friends, spending time with them, sharing meals, and telling stories. He was an avid reader, especially of The Bible and spy novels. He took his family camping as often as possible and taught them a love of the outdoors and nature. He found joy in gardening and a peaceful life on the lake.

He graduated from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN in 1966 with a degree in Education where he became a life-long supporter of the Tennessee Vols. He began his life of service with The Boy Scouts of America. He served five years as a District Executive before retiring to begin his teaching career. He started in White House, TN, at the local high school, where he taught sciences and mathematics. In 1982 he moved his family overseas with a post with Saudi Aramco in Ras Tanura. This allowed him to combine his gifts of teaching and his enjoyment of travel. In 1993 he and his family returned to Altoona, FL where he taught at Umatilla High School until his final retirement in 2008.

Although he retired from teaching, he continued to be active in his community. He was a substitute teacher for the Lake County School System, filling in where his talents were the most helpful. In his last years, he spent time making and serving soup to people in his community through the Helping Hands Soup Kitchen, associated with his church, First Baptist Church Umatilla.

Those fortunate enough to meet him found kindness, compassion and forgiveness. His smile and bearhugs were inviting and heartwarming. It was always hard to let go. His humor was uplifting and unbeatable. For those who knew him well….

“I have 2 things to ask you…. ”

He was preceded in death by his father, James H. Yearwood and mother, Thelma Acosta Yearwood of Nashville, TN.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Teressa Anne Ziegler Yearwood; his children Marcella Yearwood (Zack Tennant) of Mount Dora, FL, Melinda Yearwood Waugh (Tyler), and Scott Yearwood of Altoona, FL; his nine grandchildren Rebecca, Daphne, Makenzy (Cooper), Bronwyn, Ethan, Russell, Oakley, Hunter, and Ryann as well as two great grandchildren Jay and Carper. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Bobby) Yearwood of San Francisco, CA.

A Celebration of Life event will be held in 2026 where his family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to one of his favorite charities: Samaritans Purse ; St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School ; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ; or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8