James Arthur Bates, 83, a 35 year resident of the Hamilton community, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 3, 2012.
Jim was born on May 30, 1929 in Gillette, Wyoming, the son of George W. & Alice S. (New) Bates. He made his home in Gillette where he attended grade school until 1941 when he moved to Sheridan, WY.
In 1946 Jim enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps where he served his country for 2 years, just prior the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1948.
On December 23, 1949 Jim was united in marriage to Carol Robb in Hardin, Montana and they made their home in Gillette and he worked as a relief section foreman for the Chicago-Burlington & Quincy Railroad for 10 years. In July of 1960 they moved to Skagit County and finally settled in Hamilton in 1977 where Jim operated A & B Cold Storage & Butchering until his retirement in 1989. He then raised Red Angus beef cattle on his farm.
Jim was an avid photographer, enjoyed going cod fishing and researching genealogy.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol at the family home in Hamilton; his children and their spouses, Tim & Cheryl Bates of Hamilton, Karen & Dennis Allison of Sedro-Woolley, Marilyn Singleton of Sedro-Woolley and Nick & Margie Bates of Hamilton. Two brothers, Donald Bates of Gillette, WY and Scott Bates (Ethel) of Lead, SD; 10 grandchildren, Craig (Karla), Scott (Jennifer) and Mandy Bates, Angela Christensen (Joel), Mina Kay Kua (Joel), Shawn and Jerry Smith, Kimberly Singleton, Meri Lee Schrader and Brandy Jo Sanders; 19 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard Bates and a son-in-law, Dan Singleton.
Memorials are suggested to the United General Hospital Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Hamilton with Pastor Ron Edwards officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
8 Comments To "James Arthur Bates"
#1 Comment By Cindy Rust On 07/06/2012 @ 3:06 pm
My thoughts and Prayers go out to Carol and the family. He will be greatly missed.
#2 Comment By Norm Mitchell On 07/06/2012 @ 4:04 pm
The Mitchell Family send our Love and Condolences to the Bates Family on the loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Whenever we would see him he always had a smile on his face and a few words of wisdom as well as a cute story or two. This gentle person will truly be missed, not only by his family but by his many friends.
Remember all of the good times you have had with him through the years to help carry you through your time of healing. God Bless all of You!
#3 Comment By Paul & Cassandra Wagner On 07/06/2012 @ 6:52 pm
Our family sends our dearest thoughts to the family of Jim’s.
He will be dearly missed by many.
Always
Wagner family
#4 Comment By Angela Christensen On 07/09/2012 @ 1:00 pm
My husband, my girls, and I will miss Gramps a great deal!!! He was a wonderful grandfather and friend!!! We loved listening to Gramps tell stories of the old days and the things that him and Grandma experienced. Gramps had many treasures to show and tell about, which my family and I always enjoyed. Gramps and Grandma have blessed us with many, many wonderful memories! I always enjoyed sitting down with Gramps and looking at his old coins and then he would look at my little collection. My girls remember the time of him played his baby violin for them, which they couldn’t get over the fact of seeing a violin so small. I will always remember going to Gramps and Grandma’s house for Christmas Eves, helping in the hay fields in the summer, the many visits, birthday parties, and so much more. I am so thankful for the time that I had with my grandfather and the experiences and blessings that he bestowed up me and my family. We miss you, Gramps!
#5 Comment By Karen Allison On 07/09/2012 @ 1:14 pm
Dad was my best friend. You could call him up and ask him a question about the cows and he would tell you what was wrong and what to do. It didnt even have to be about the cows. He could talk to you about anything. A friend once told me that when I would talk to Dad on the phone all I did was smile and laugh. He not only made me feel that way, but most everyone he talked to. Either with a story or a joke or two. You had to call him just about everyday to tell him what was going on. If you missed a day, he was calling you to find out why. He was the best and my heart will always be full of love and memorie for him. His family meant everything to him.
#6 Comment By Lisa Fernie-Dellinger On 07/11/2012 @ 7:21 pm
I remember Jim as a very caring and loving person and was my dads friend. Jim shared his joy of farm life and Jersey Cows with the Fernie Family for many years. Working hard and long days on the farm, milking cows, raising kids, putting up hay and hunting etc…. When we were kids I remember going to the Bates home. They had a bear skin rug on their family room floor. Us kids were pretty intrigued and I remember many of times we would play bear in the living room and Jim would just laugh at us kids as to encourage us even more! Jim and Carol were wonderful neighbors and their children our good friends. I don’t think there wasn’t much that Nick, Tim and I didn’t think up back then. Jim and Carol was always there to help our family. I will always remain grateful for the love, care and friendship the Bates family bestowed upon our family when my dad was so ill. Although we have not seen each other for sometime, memories of your family are with me to this day and you are are in my thoughts and prayers. Jim will truly be missed by many. Love and Condolences to all of you.
#7 Comment By Darla Kaltenbach On 07/13/2012 @ 10:39 am
Angie, Joel, Rachel, Jessie, Faith,
Your family means so much to us (as well as our church family) and I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. I know you will all miss Gramps very much and nothing will every be the same. Remember and share you stories of your grandpa at this time, it wwill help you sharpen the memories, and help heal the lose. Memories are a treasure no one can take away. A memory is a “rose in december” which will bring comfort in the days to come. As you have been such a blessing to my family in the last year, please let me know if I can do something for you at this time.
May God Richly Bless you
Gene & Darla Kaltenbach
#8 Comment By Wayne Stiles On 01/05/2013 @ 10:27 am
Carol,
We are praying for you. Tim and Jim were great men. Wayne