Jim E. Yates: Arkansas Business Hall of Fame
Jim E. Yates
(1941-1998)
Founder and Chairman of the Board
E-Z Mart Stores, Inc.
Texarkana, Texas
With a vision for serving rural America, Jim Earl Yates built E-Z Mart Stores, Inc., into one of the nation's largest privately held convenience store chains. His innovations and leadership in the National Association of Convenience Stores helped shape the industry. Today, E-Z Mart Stores has 300 stores in five states: Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Missouri.
Yates was deeply committed to the Texarkana community. He served on the boards of Wadley Regional Medical Center, Perot Theater, Easter Seals and Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center. An avid aviator, he was appointed to the Arkansas Aviation Aerospace Commission.