James Clarence Bates, born in Canton MS on February 26, 1945, died at his long time family residence in the early morning hours of March 9, 2020.
James will be missed dearly by those he leaves behind: daughter Pamela Bates Graham, of Jackson; son Scott, of Pearl; lifelong companion Daphne, of Gluckstadt; brother Arnold, and nephews and their families, as well as countless other friends and extended family.
James had a love of motorcycles and cars, and spent many years traveling the country with Pamela and Daphne for Motorcycle Rallies and Car Shows. Many of James surviving friends will remember him as a “rally-bum” and a “gear-head,” and no one would deny he had a need for speed. He considered many of his Gold-Wing friends more like family.
James worked as hard as he played, maybe harder, for over 30 years building and maintaining a commercial landscaping business with Daphne, and was known as a hard working man by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life Fellowship will be held at a later day In Memory of James. Due to the current need for self-isolation, plans have been postponed until it’s deemed safe to gather in groups.
In lieu of flowers, James’ family has asked that you reach out and help those in need affected by the current crisis in his honor.
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