James “Jim” Henry Yarbrough, 80, of Canton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026. Born November 26, 1945, Jim was a lifelong resident of the community he loved and was proud to call home.

Jim loved to reminisce about the “old Canton” of his childhood. He could talk about exploring the woods with his best friend, “Sparky,” spending time at Yarbrough Bros. Grocery Store in downtown, the “big fire” that birthed the family dry-cleaning business, and swimming and lifeguarding at the Canton Pool, and each memory seemed to bring the same smile to his face. He had a front-row seat to the growth and transformation of Canton throughout his lifetime, watching the community he knew and loved change and grow around him.

Jim graduated from the University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in business. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He proudly served from 1968 to 1972, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and being stationed in Vietnam. His military service was an important chapter in his life and one of which he remained proud throughout his years.

Following his military service, Jim went on to build a long and respected forty-year career in the banking industry, a career he genuinely loved. He was especially proud of the relationships he built with the people of his community. In his “Bank of Canton” days, Jim was known for approving loans with little more than a handshake because, as he explained, “I know that man is good for it. He’s a good man and honest.” He knew it was time to retire when computers and banking regulations “wouldn’t allow [him] to loan good men money anymore.”

Jim was a longtime member of Canton First United Methodist Church and the local Rotary Club.

Outside of work, Jim loved spending time outdoors and making memories with the people he loved. In his younger years, he could often be found on the golf course, hunting, fishing, or vacationing with family and friends. Although golf eventually became less of a pastime, hunting remained his favorite hobby throughout his life.

Hunting season was always on his calendar, and he would fit in a quick day hunt whenever he could. Picking his sons up from school with a deer in the bed of his truck is a story that has been told often. Jim especially looked forward to getting away to his property in Wrightsville, Georgia. There, usually with his best friend by his side, he enjoyed the simple pleasures—sipping Crown, fishing from the dock, sitting in his favorite deer stand, and taking in all that nature had to offer. And when it wasn’t deer season, he still wasn’t about to let the deer forget about him. He was adamant that his backyard feeders stay filled with corn so he could watch the deer from his favorite sitting spot.

But perhaps nothing was more important to Jim than his two sons. He made a point of calling Jimmy and Jason multiple times a day, sometimes simply to share something about the weather forecast. Those calls were Jim’s way of staying connected—small, everyday reminders that his boys were always on his mind and always close to his heart.

Those who knew Jim will remember his stories, his love for Canton, his dedication to his family and community, and his unmistakable way of seeing the world. He lived a life rooted in family, work, service, friendship, and a deep connection to the place he called home.

Jim spent much of his final months, cigarette in hand, seated by his back door. From there, he had a clear view of Main Street toward downtown Canton. His life came full circle when he passed peacefully in his childhood bedroom, surrounded by the home and memories that had been part of his story from the very beginning.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herald “Buggle” and Lucy Evans Yarbrough, and his wife of almost 40 years, Kathryn “Kathy” Davis Yarbrough.

Jim is survived by his sons, Jimmy Yarbrough of White and Jason (Gina) Yarbrough of Canton; his grandchildren, Avery (Summer) Dyer of Rockmart, as well as Sierra Yarbrough and Charlie Yarbrough of Canton.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 14, and Tuesday, September 15, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Darby Funeral Home in Canton, Georgia. The memorial service, officiated by Dr. C.R. Hill, will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, in the Darby Funeral Home chapel. Interment will follow the service at Cherokee Memorial Park.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. James “Jim” Henry Yarbrough.