James 'Jim' Francis Bates

He was the son of the late John William and Marcella (MacDougall) Bates.

Jim attended Xavier College and St. Francis Xavier University and graduated from the Nova Scotia Teachers College in Truro, Nova Scotia, in 1959. He taught school for 33 years and retired in 1992. He was dedicated to his vocation as a teacher and each of his students held a special place in his heart. Jim was a man of faith, he was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s parish, Sydney, now St. Marguerite Bourgeoys. Jim enjoyed regularly visiting his relatives and friends in Bateston (where he grew up) / Main-a-dieu area. He was an avid skater and also enjoyed watching all sports on TV and was a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mostly, Jim was a family man, closest to his wife of 53 years, and very proud of his 5 children, 12 grandchildren and his great grandchild.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sheila (MacCormick); sons, James (Josephine) of Belgium, Michael (Sandra) of Sydney; daughters, Joanne (David) Costanzo of Ottawa, Patricia (Ron) MacDonald of Sydney and Bonnie ‘Christine’ (Greg) McLean of Virginia; brother, Pat (Patricia) Bates of Sydney; sister, Margaret Bennett of Boston, Mass and brother in law, Doug Locke, of Sydney.

He was predeceased by his parents, John William and Marcella Bates; sisters, Mary Locke and Marcella (Kenny) MacDonald.

There will be no visitation. Funeral mass will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 29 at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys with Rev. Bill Burke officiating. A reception will follow the service. A private family interment will be held in Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.twcurry.com