James Wallace Yarbrough

YARBROUGH, James Wallace, 94, of Mechanicsville, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 26, 2020.  Known by friends and family as “Wally,” he was the son of the late James & Estelle Yarbrough.  Wally was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Catherine Alexander Yarbrough, and two sisters: Ruby Smith of Hanover; and Eleanor Sekerdy, of Richmond.  Wally is survived by his daughter, Susan Finkenstaedt and husband, Mike, of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan; daughter, Linda Corbin and husband, Paul, of Mechanicsville; and son, David Yarbrough and wife, Dee, of Glen Allen.  Wally is “Papa” to 7 grandchildren: Kate Levy and husband, Brent, of Denver, Colorado; Billy Finkenstaedt of Los Angeles, California; Andrew Corbin and wife, Stephanie, of Richmond; Zack Yarbrough, of Virginia Beach; Olivia Bryant and husband, Cody, of Mechanicsville; Christy Finkenstaedt, of Denver, Colorado; and Josh Yarbrough, of Glen Allen; and a great-granddaughter, Stowe Levy, of Denver, Colorado.  Wally will also be lovingly remembered by his surviving brothers-in-law, Edward Alexander, Jr. of Richmond, and Frank Alexander and his wife, Carol, of Plantation, Florida.  “Uncle Wally” will have a special place in the hearts of his numerous nephews and nieces. Born on February 7, 1926, Wally is a native of the Richmond area.  Growing up in Hanover County, he attended Washington Henry High School before being drafted by the U.S. Army to serve our country in Central Europe during World War II.  Honorably discharged in 1946, he returned home to Hanover.  Although he was not able to complete high school due to his service, he was recently awarded an honorary diploma from his alma mater and recognized for his patriotism. Wally was a long-time member of Mechanicsville Baptist Church,  where he served in numerous capacities including; usher, Sunday school teacher, and on the Long-Range Planning Committee. Wally enjoyed a 35-year career with Philip Morris.  After retiring in 1992, he loved spending time in his garden, caring for his yard, reading the newspaper, and watching his beloved Redskins.  He also enjoyed family get-togethers, vacations to the Outer Banks, and most recently an adventure to Alaska. Details for a Celebration of Life will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mechanicsville Baptist Church Endowment Fund. Condolences for the family may be registered at www.monaghanfunerals.com.

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