Individual Details

Death

James Martin Yates James Martin Yates (Martin) was born in Kaufman, Texas on February 3, 1942, although his mother told him as a child that he was born on February 4th and that was the day he celebrated most of his life. He died at home on May 4, 2015 from pancreatic cancer. Martin was predeceased by his mother, Ann Furr Yates, and his father, Max Gene Yates, and by many friends who died too early in their lives. Martin was Salutatorian of the 1960 graduating class of Kaufman High School. He received a BS in Nursing from TCU and attended Harris Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia. In 1968 he began working at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas and retired from there on 12/31/2008. During his many years at Presbyterian (now Texas Health Resources Presbyterian Dallas), he moved from staff certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) to chief CRNA and finally to Director of Anesthesia Services. For the majority of his career he was in charge of Presbyterian's anesthesia department. Most agreed that he was a great boss. He was fair, level-headed and open to suggestions. He treated those above him and below him in the corporate hierarchy equally with respect and dignity. His attitude created a stable department, and many people worked at Presbyterian for most of their lives simply because Martin was such an outstanding leader. Administrators and employees from all departments of the hospital came to him for advice and guidance because he was so accomplished and respected in his job. Martin was a leader in the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) and the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists (TANA). He was president of TANA in 1979 – 1980. He served on the Council of Certification for the AANA from 1981 through 1985 and was Chairman in 1984. In that capacity he was involved with the design and administration of the national certification exam for CRNAs. Over the years, he was on numerous AANA committees and worked with the American Heart Association in their initial efforts to teach CPR to the non-medical public. The many people touched by Martin's kindness and deep humanity in his private life and his professional life will miss him profoundly. His wit, intellect and ability to charm those around him contributed to his many friendships. Martin is survived by his spouse, Van Martindale, with whom he shared his life for 17 years. He also leaves behind his brother, Max (Skipper) Yates and wife, Judy, his beloved niece and nephew, Joanna Yates Davis and Bradley Yates and his grandniece and grandnephew, Felicia and Spencer Davis. His family wishes to thank Vitas Hospice for allowing him to be at home and comfortable in his last days. Gratitude also goes to all of the friends and neighbors who contributed to his care in the past few months. There will be a celebratory memorial for Martin at the Cathedral of Hope, 5910 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas, TX 75235, on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 1 p.m.
Published in Dallas Morning News from May 17 to May 24, 2015