James "Cecil" Yarbrough

June 21, 1933, to July 24, 2022

James “Cecil” Yarbrough, age 89, passed away in Byram, Mississippi, on July 24, 2022. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, as the only son of Lola and Ozell Yarbrough, he was a graduate of Forest Hill High School and the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and a proud member of the marching band.

He met his wife of 63 years, Barbara Carol Jones, on a blind date to a ballgame. During that date, he asked her to accompany him to the concession stand several times so everyone could see that he had 'the prettiest date'. Barbara and Cecil were married in 1955 and moved to Tennessee, where he started a job as a driver for Texaco. Only three months after their wedding, he was drafted into the Navy and spent the next two years in the service. During this time, oldest daughter, Linda, was born in Jackson. After his time in the Navy, the family moved back to Tennessee, where Lea Ann and Lisa were born. He worked for Kroger and was proud to have managed the newest and best store in Athens, Tennessee.

In 1966, Cecil & Barbara moved back to Jackson, Mississippi, to help care for their aging parents. Cecil worked for a large food distribution company before buying and operating Southern Amusement Company for the remainder of his career.

Cecil was a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and choir member at Daniel Memorial Baptist Church. He was an example of how to serve the Lord with faith and love unconditionally. He was fun-loving, never met a stranger, and was generous with his time and possessions. He was someone you could always count on. But he’s probably best remembered for how he loved his family and friends. Humble about most things, Cecil unashamedly would tell anyone who listened about how special his kids and grandkids were.

Cecil was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and is survived by his children Linda & Keith Putnam, Lea Ann Warren, Don Warren, Lisa & Tom Stofac, his grandchildren Alex & Julia Warren, Blake & Holly Thames, Tyler Warren & Cecilia de lara Perez, Lauren & David Dickenson, Eric & Kim Warren, Kellie Stofac & Tyler Petroshak, and 7+ great-grandchildren, Soren, Emet, Conrad, Nora, Raleigh, Theron, Ozzie, and another due in January.

The funeral will be held at Daniel Memorial Baptist Church, 3784 Terry Rd in Jackson, Mississippi, on Thursday, July 28, with visitation from noon to 2:00 with funeral service to follow.