James Allen BatesMENTONE – James Allen Bates, 86, of Bourbon, passed at 12:40 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, at Woodlawn Hospital of Rochester.
James was born on Aug. 4, 1935, in Marshall County, to the late Harry W. and Olive H. Ecker Bates. He was a lifelong resident of Bourbon, living at his present home for 60 years. He graduated from Bourbon High School in 1953, where he played baseball, basketball and was in the band. He also was active in FFA and served as a state officer. He furthered his education serving in the ROTC at Purdue University.
James married Margaret Louise Hall, his high school sweetheart, on April 8, 1956, at the Bourbon First United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his children: James Bates Jr., Jo Bates, Judith Weissert and husband Marc, Jon Bates and wife Kim; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 58 years, Margaret Louise Bates; a brother, Jay F. Bates; and a sister, Barbara Faulkner.
James was a lifetime farmer of grain and cattle. He drove truck for his brother hauling livestock to the Chicago Stockyards as well as being employed at Metheny Elevator, feed truck driver for Farm Bureau Co-Op, Ferros of Plymouth and a part-time driver for Shells of Bourbon, where he retired.
James was a 10-year 4-H member and served as a 4-H leader and on the 4-H County Council. He served his community as the Tippecanoe Township Trustee for a term. He was a member of the Silver Dollar Saddle Club, the Bourbon Antique Tractor and Engine Show and the Bull Haulers Group. He loved to chat with people wherever he went on his pickup or Ranger rides with his dog Max as well as at the Etna Green Cafe.
A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery of Bourbon.
The arrangements are entrusted to King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the donor’s choice of charity.
Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
