James Yazzie

Funeral services for James William Yazzie, 81, will be 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 24, at the All Saints Mission, Ganado. Brother Paul will officiate. Burial will be in Ganado Community Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m., Dec. 24, at All Saints Mission. Yazzie was born Oct. 11, 1928, in Futed Rock, Ariz., into the Bitter Water People Clan for the Towering House People Clan. Yazzie graduated high school and attended college. He was a teacher at Sherman Institute, Riverside, Calif. and worked at Hunter Engineering, Bowman's Auto Wrecking, all in Southern California. Yazzie enjoyed painting, gardening, traditional Din�?© dances and life in general. Survivors include his sons, Billy Yazzie, Michael Yazzie, Martin Yazzie; daughters, Gloria Yazzie, Gilda Yazzie, Wanda Yazzie, Melinda Yazzie, Jeri Yazzie, Karen Meyer, Michele Yazzie, Sharon Yazzie-Herbert; sister, Clara Johnson; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Yazzie was preceded in death by Glenna Mae Kee, Maggie Mae Mudamn, Frank Bia. Pallbearers will be Martin Yazzie, Billy Yazzie, and other family members. The family will receive relatives and friends at Ganado Chapter House, following services. Tse Bonito Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.