In Memorium: W. Jeffrey Yates (1955-2025)

W. Jeffrey Yates, a 29-year member of the Lycoming Law Association, died unexpectedly on January 21, 2025.

Obituary:

William Jeffrey Yates - Jan 25, 2025

William Jeffrey Yates, 69, of Williamsport, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at UPMC Williamsport.

Born on August 4, 1955, in Johnstown, Jeff—known for his sharp mind and kind ear —was the son of William and Patricia Ellis Yates. He graduated from Westmont High School in 1973 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University in 1978. Later, he followed his passion for helping others by earning his law degree from Thomas Cooley Law School in 1983, eventually establishing his own private law practice in Williamsport in 1997, where he made a lasting difference in his community.

He and his wife, Shelia (Long) Yates, were married on June 15, 1985.

A viewing will be held at River Valley Church, 470 Pine St. Williamsport, on Sun., Jan. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. The memorial service will be celebrated at the church at 10 a.m. on Mon., Jan. 27.

Memorial contributions in Jeff’s name be made to River Valley Church.

Memorial Resolutions:

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

IN RE: RESOLUTIONS IN MEMORY OF :
WILLIAM JEFFREY YATES, ESQUIRE                           : NO. 25-00003

REPORT AND RESOLUTIONS OF COMMITTEE

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGES OF THE ABOVE-NAMED COURT:

By Order of January 30, 2025, the Honorable Nancy L. Butts, President Judge of the 29th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, appointed the undersigned Committee to prepare a Report and Resolutions memorializing the life of William Jeffrey Yates Esquire, for submission to the Court at a public ceremony held April 17, 2025. Accordingly, your Committee submits the following Report and Resolutions:

1.  William Jeffrey Yates (known as "Jeff" by his family and colleagues), of Williamsport passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at UPMC Williamsport.
2. Jeff was born August 4, 1955, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the son of the late William and Patricia Ellis Yates.
3. Jeff was a 1973 graduate of Westmont High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and received his bachelor's degree in Biology from West Virginia University in 1978.
4. Jeff attended the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1983.
5. Jeff began his legal career in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania as an associate attorney with the law firm of R. Bruce Manchester & Associates between 1984 and 1986. He then worked as an associate attorney for one year with the State College law firm of Novak, Stover & McCarty. From 1987-1990, Jeff worked as an Assistant District Attorney at the Centre County District Attorney's Office where he prosecuted over fifty jury trials. Beginning in 1990, Jeff served as a Deputy Attorney General in the Environmental Crimes Section for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General in Williamsport.
6. Jeff eventually established his own private law practice in Williamsport in 1997 where he operated as a sole practitioner with a very diverse caseload. In 2004, he relocated his practice to the 425 Market Street location and continued his practice out of that office until his passing.
7. In addition to his distinguished career as an attorney, Jeff was a man of strong faith and devoted much of his life to serving others as evidenced by his long membership with River Valley Church and involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Expectations Women's Center, where he served on the board from 2005 to 2017.
8. Jeff was actively involved in the Republican Party and proudly served as a committee person on the Republican Committee for twenty (20) years. Jeff was honored with the distinguished Alvin C. Bush Award in 2019.
9. Jeff was an active member of the Charles F. Greevy, Jr. American Inn of Court (newly organized as the Charles F. Greevy, Jr. Law Society) from its very first meeting in September 1998 until the date of his passing.
10. Jeff and his wife, Shelia, were married for forty (40) years and together raised four daughters, all of whom Jeff truly adored: Hannah (Anthony) Peachy, Sarah (Jonathan) Lieberman, Phoebe (Zach) DuGan and Abigail Yates. Jeff was blessed at the time of his passing with six (6) grandchildren and posthumously he and Shelia welcomed the birth of their seventh (7th) grandchild, Mason, to parents Phoebe and Zach. Currently, the family awaits the arrival of their eighth (8th) grandchild to parents Hannah and Anthony.
11. Jeff is also survived by his siblings, Donald Yates of Parma, Ohio, Scott Yates of Johnston and Cindy Bambino of Johnstown.
12. Jeff lived a full life as an accomplished attorney and proudly distinguished himself as one of the few sole general practitioners in Lycoming County. He was a loving family member cherished for his wisdom, humor, humility and respect for his colleagues and the bench. Jeff was a devoted community volunteer, outdoorsman, friend to many and a gentleman of the highest order.

Now therefore, be it resolved that we, the undersigned, joined by the Bench and Bar of Lycoming County, do recognize the passing of William Jeffrey Yates, Esquire, and submit the following resolutions:

BE IT RESOVLED that in the passing of William Jeffrey Yates, Esquire, on January 21, 2025, there has been a loss to this Association of an able lawyer of the highest character and integrity, a loss to River Valley Church of a devoted and valuable servant, and a loss to his family of a cherished husband, father, grandfather and sibling.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Court and Bar do hereby extend to Jeff's family our deep and heartfelt sympathy, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these Resolutions be spread at length upon the minutes of the Court of Common Pleas of Lycoming County and that copies be provided to the family of William Jeffrey Yates, Esquire.

Respectfully submitted,

The Honorable Ryan C. Gardner, Chairperson
Zach DuGan, Esquire
Robert Hoffa, Esquire
Don Martino, Esquire