Mr. Bates proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. He had a deep love for adventure and freedom, enjoying the open road while riding motorcycles and the open sky while flying airplanes. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed both participating in and watching racing events.

Mr. Bates was preceded in death by his father, Claude Bates; his mother, Grace Sisco Bates; and his son, James Bates, Jr., son in law Terry Whitaker.

He is survived by his son, Phillip (Jodi) Bates; his daughter, Sherry Whitaker; his brothers, Claude Bates, Jr. and Bob Bates; his sister, Janice Bates, life partner Debbie Miller; his grandchildren, Justin (Shelby) Bates, Katie (Drew) Grimes, Hannah (Brandon) James, Allison Bates, Jamie (Mark) Christian, and Chris (Emily) Whitaker; and his great-grandchildren, Sadie Grimes, Ryan Sage, Reed Grimes, Anna Marie Sage, Hudson Bates, Reilee Christian, Aiden Christian, Leeya Whitaker, and Allie Whitaker.