This has been the week of death. Longtime First Baptist Church Concord Members Dick Williams, Jim Trezise, 4 Marines and 1 Navy Soldier in Chattanooga, family friend Lester Newman passed yesterday morning and then this morning as I read the obituaries, I find that Jim Bates passed away. the family received friends last night and he was buried in a private ceremony today.
Mr. Bates was an active Republican from North Knoxville. He was a policeman, a railroad Inspector of Police. Mr. Bates was not afraid to enter the arena of politics as he did that and although the odds were against him, he fared better than anyone expected. Mr. Bates always had a smile and a warm handshake. He will be missed.
James H. (Jim) Bates, age 86, of Knoxville, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 16, 2015. He was a member of Smithwood Baptist Church, Knoxville, Tennessee. He was a graduate of Knoxville High School and attended The University of Tennessee. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was an officer for the Knoxville Police Department for seven years, then moved to L&N/CSX Railroad, serving as Inspector of Police from 1957, until his retirement in 1988. He then worked for the Knox County Sheriff’s department, in the Court Services Division. He was a charter member of Fraternal Order of Police, Volunteer Lodge #2 and a 32nd degree Mason.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar L. and Mae Bates; sisters, Alta Keck, Delta Root, and Christine Downing; brother, William C. (Dub) Bates. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jean Bates; sister, Nell Brooks; children, Debra Everts and husband, Randy, Kent Bates and wife, Donna, and Bryan J. Bates and wife, Jeannie; grandchildren, Brittni Bates, James Everts, and Matthew Everts; and many nieces and nephews.
Broadway.
Mr. Bates was a very nice man who would have made an excellent Circuit Court Clerk. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.