James L. Yapp

Yapp, James L., 89, formerly of Garden Grove, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2009, in Mission Viejo, Ca.  James was born on January 9, 1920, in Esbon, Kansas, the youngest of three children to Orah and Victor Yapp.  He grew up in Kansas on a farm before moving to California to work at Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank.  James joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served on several battleships during World War II.

He married Zelma Hull on August 27, 1945, in Santa Ana.  They lived in Garden Grove and were active members in Calvary Church of Santa Ana serving in a variety of volunteer Christian ministries for over 50 years.  James worked at McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach until his retirement in 1980.  His Martin guitar was a passion in his life and he enjoyed both listening and playing numerous songs made famous by his favorite musician, Chet Atkins.

James is survived by his son, Terry and his wife, Renee Yapp of Mission Viejo, his daughter, Janet Jeremiah of The Dalles, Oregon; grandchildren, Travis and Kent Jeremiah; Devon Lee and her husband, Jared; Melissa Yapp and Mercy Lau; and his sister, Winifred Yapp of Sacramento.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Zelma, and his sister, Bernice, and has been reunited with them in Heaven.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. at O'Connor Chapel, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills.  A Celebration of Life is scheduled on Monday, April 20, 11 a.m., at Calvary Church of Santa Ana, 1010 N. Tustin, preceded by a graveside service at 10 a.m. at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana.

O'Connor Mortuary, 949 581-4300
www.oconnormortuary.com