Reverend James "Pete" Yancy, Sr., 73, was born April 17, 1945 in Hayti, Missouri. He was the son of Julius and Mattie Ware-Yancey. He was the seventh of twelve children, Louise Jones, John Yancey, Julius Yancey, Irene Vinson, Elizabeth Yancey, Luvina Hitchens, "James Yancy, Sr.", Josephine Williams, Lois Butler, Jeanette Yancey, Donald Yancey and Marvin Yancey.

Pete joined and was baptized at an early age at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Hayti, Missouri.

In 1963, James Yancy Sr. (18), moved from Hayti, Missouri to Los Angeles, California. May 5, 1969, while living in Los Angeles, California, he married his "first love" Louise Brown from Hayti, Missouri. From this union, three children were conceived: Kathy Yancy-Mays, Kenneth P. Yancy I and James Yancy II (Caressia). James Yancy Sr. resided in Los Angeles, California until moving to Kansas City in 1971.

James Yancy, Sr. was known by many as Brother Yancy, Reverend Yancy, Jim, or Mr. Yancy. But, if you really knew him, you called him "Pete".

Pete attended Central High School in Hayti, Missouri then later completed professional education courses and MDTA training school, specializing in all forms of Welding. Immediately after completing MDTA training school, he was hired as the first African American Welding instructor for the MDTA training school. He later became the first African American Welding instructor for Allis Chalmers, Butler Manufacturer, General Motors and Ford Motor company in the Kansas City area. Later, he started J&K (James and Kenneth) Welding business.

Highly intelligent, extremely creative, and gifted/talented, Pete was a "Master Craftsman" in the areas of Preaching, Home Construction and Remodeling, Vehicle Design and Construction, Wood Work, Welding, Iron Work, Plumbing, Electrical, Landscaping, Lawn Care, Tree Care, Gardening, Drafting, Drawing, Dog Training, Writing, Hunting and Fishing, and Teaching others.

Pete loved and knew how to use his mind to visualize things, then use his hands to build whatever he visualized. One of his favorite sayings was, "There is nothing new underneath the sun!" Without doubt, Pete was a gift from God.

Pete was called into the ministry while attending Hosanna Missionary Baptist Church. He became an ordained minister on August 8, 1983 under the leadership of Pastor James A. Howard, Sr. In 1989, Pete started his own church, Carpenter House Missionary Baptist Church. Later, he became affiliated with Greater Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Pete departed this life June 15, 2018 at 5:59 a.m. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, John Yancey, Julius Yancey and Marvin Yancey; and five sisters, Louise (Yancey) Jones, Luvina (Yancey) Hitchens, Josephine (Yancey) Williams (twin sister), Elizabeth Yancey and Jeanette Yancey.

Pete leaves to mourn: two daughters, Kathy Yancy-Mays of Kansas City, MO and Alice Yancy of Los Angeles, CA; two sons, Kenneth P. Yancy I of Kansas City, MO and James Yancy II (Caressia) of Kansas City, MO; one brother, Donald Yancey of San Bernardino, CA; two sisters, Irene Vinson of Los Angeles, CA and Lois Butler of Kansas City, MO; fifteen grandchildren, thirty-four great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.