James “Ron” Yarnall, age 89, of Crystal Beach, FL was called home to be with the Lord Thursday, July 2, 2026. Born November 8, 1936 in Long Branch, NJ, beloved son of the late Alfred “Earl” Yarnall Sr. and Edna May Tarnow. A man of quiet strength and gentle spirit, Ron was defined by his love for God and his family.
Ron served in the US Navy in 1955, beginning his career in the US Naval Fleet Sonar School in Key West, continuing on to earn his Masters Degree in Science & Engineering. On June 9, 1962 he married his high school sweetheart Joan Tierney at Bayshore Community Church in East Keansburg, NJ. Together they shared 37 incredible years together. Raising his family with the love of his life Joan they eventually settled in Newport, RI. Sadly prior to Ron’s retirement Joan was called home early in 1999 at 61 yrs of age. Ron retired from Panametrics in Waltham, MA as Documentation Engineer in Ultrasonic Inspection Systems.
He left behind two children, his daughter Tracey Yarnall of Crystal Beach, FL and son Scott Yarnall (Marilyn) of Duluth, MN, three grandchildren, Kari Morgan (Andrew), Marina Smith (Cam) and Torin Kelley (Jamie) and three great grandchildren, Marshall, Daxton and Benjamin. He was preceded in death by his brother Alfred E Yarnall Jr and sister Betty Schmitz.
After retirement Ron leaned into his faith and using his writing talent became a profuse writer of Christian short books and literature. His greatest hope was 1 THES 4:16-18. He longed for heaven and spread his love for Jesus to everyone he encountered. With a couple of ‘Dad’ jokes thrown in for good measure, he loved to spread his joy and make everyone smile.
He was dearly loved by his family and friends. Dad, Grandpa, G-pa and GG-pa will be deeply missed in this world. His legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the faith he proclaimed. Ron lead us by example to follow Jesus through every storm we will encounter in this life. Hold on to God, God is good all the time!
Together again, Ron and Joan’s ashes will be interred at Bay Pines National Cemetery Columbarium.
