James "Jim" N. Kates

James was born to Drain and Marie Kates, March 24, 1940, in Bonifay, Florida. He graduated from Holmes County High School in 1958. He attended American University in Washington, D.C., for two years while serving as an elevator operator in the House Office Building under the sponsorship of his local Congressman. He graduated from the Florida State University and became a vocational rehabilitation counselor.

He met Judith Mulloy in 1965, and the two married in 1966. After an amicable divorce he met his second wife, Linda Kight, in 1989. He was Widowed by Linda in 1993, after far too short a time together. He spent the last several years of his life reunited with Judith.

He leaves as his legacy his son and daughter-in-law, Patrick Kates and Julia Bluhm Kates, and his granddaughter, Lillian Bluhm Kates. He was beloved by his step-daughters and their families: Carina and Andy Dunlap, and their children Adam and Evan, and Tara and Craig Hewitt, and their children, Craig, Catherine, Camille, and Cai.

James spent his career with the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) as a counselor, supervisor and personnel liaison, until he retired. He touched the lives of countless people with disabilities who achieved greater independence with his assistance. He is remembered by VR staff for his kindness, generosity, and events at his picturesque home on the banks of the St. Marks River. He was a devoted, loyal, life-long friend to many.

There will be a visitation on Friday, April 6, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home at 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. A reception is scheduled for April 7, 2018, at 1:00, followed by a celebration of life at Culley’s. There will also be a graveside service in Bonifay, Florida at 5:00 PM EST.

The family requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://www.michaeljfox.org/get-involved/donation2.php or

The Alzheimer’s Project https://www.alzheimersproject.org/give/ in lieu of flowers.