KENNEBUNK — James Russell Yates, 88, known to all by Russell, a resident of Kennebunk, died Nov. 10, 2014 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, with his family by his side.

He was born in Biddeford on Jan. 6, 1926, the son of William A. Yates and Angie Hill Yates.

Russell lived in Kennebunk all of his life.

He graduated from Kennebunk High School, Class of 1944, and joined the Army Air Force in September 1943.

Russell was part of the 910th Air Engineering Squadron in Italy. He was discharged as a corporal at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Russell returned to help run the family hotel, The Sagamore, later known as The Sea Spray, during the summers while attending college in Portland and the University of Miami in Florida. Russell worked for the U.S. Postal Service until his first retirement. He then worked maintenance at Host Marriott for another 19 years.

He married Barbara Evans in 1951.

He was talented at fixing most anything for friends and family. He enjoyed canoeing and cross-country skiing. His passions were traveling and taking cruises with Barbara, his wife.

He belonged to the Reserve Police Department in Kennebunk and worked on the town charter. He served on the budget board and recorded town meetings for several years. He was a member of two Masonic bodies. He became the high priest RAC for two years as well as past master and secretary of York Lodge.

Russell is survived by: his wife of 63 years, Barbara.

He also leaves: three sons, Steve and his wife Alice, Bill, and Jay and his wife Eileen; one daughter, Susan and her husband Jim; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A private, graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 from 2-5 p.m. at the Dorothy Stevens Center, 84 Thompson Road, West Kennebunk. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074 in Russell Yates’ honor. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. www.bibberfuneral.com.

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