James Robert "Bob" Coates

James Robert Coates was born June 1, 1924 in Sioux City, IA to Orville “Pat” and (Mary) Abbie (nee Kendergan ) Coates. He passed away peacefully on July 14, 2021 at Addoloratta Villa in Wheeling.

Bob is survived by his children Patricia (Gary) Colabuono, Jane Ryan and Thomas Coates; his grandchildren Jessica (Jeff) Heinze, Kristen Agostinho, Amanda Colabuono (Robin Skamser), Kevin (Sara) Colabuono, Rochelle (Jason) Connor and Paul (Michelle) Coates; his great-grandchildren Michael and Alex Heinze, Emma Colabuono, Charlotte Coates and Rayna Connor.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Sylvia (nee Sturm) Coates.

Bob graduated from Trinity High School in Sioux City as Valedictorian, and was the last remaining member of his graduating class. He went on to earn a Chemical Engineering degree from Iowa State University in Ames where he was a member of Alpha Chi Sigma fraternity.

Always a patriot, Bob served in the Navy during World War II. He then began a 38-year career at Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, until retiring in 1983 as Director of Engineering Standards. For years after, he enjoyed staying in touch with many work friends at Abbott retiree club meetings and other gatherings.

Bob had an unwavering faith, carried out by his tireless volunteer service to Immaculate Conception Church in Waukegan. Among his many roles over 60 years were Parish Council President, School Board President, choir member, lector, and Eucharistic minister (along with self-appointed weed puller around the church on many Saturday mornings).

Other beneficiaries of Bob’s volunteer efforts were Catholic Charities and United Way of Lake County (both of which he served as a member of the Board of Directors). He also was elected to several terms as Precinct Committeeman in Waukegan, representing the close-knit neighborhood his family enjoyed throughout their growing-up years. He was an active volunteer at St. Therese Hospital and Waukegan Public Library.

Besides formal positions in organizations, Bob was most notably an indiscriminate dispenser of kindness. Without seeking accolades, he would routinely notice people who could benefit from his help and take action. Examples include (but certainly are not limited to): hosting sailors from Great Lakes Naval Base for holiday dinners at his home, picking up an elderly lady who didn’t drive and bringing her to church with his family regularly, driving his son’s teammates who didn’t have fathers present to games and encouraging them, temporarily taking in to his home a daughter’s classmate who was having family issues, having parish priests over to Sunday dinners, and including orphans on family outings to zoos and amusement parks.

Bob enjoyed music (especially playing ragtime on piano, and a Star Spangled Banner duet with Sylvia), photography, and gardening, which he passed on to each of his children.

Bob was known as a true gentleman, who left a legacy of unfailing integrity, generosity, kindness, and humble service to God and those fortunate to know him.

Bob and Sylvia were well-cared for in their twilight years by the devoted staff at Addolorata Villa in Wheeling. Franciscan Care Solutions and Suncrest Hospice were a blessing to Bob and his family during the last several months.

Visitation Monday, July 19, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at Addolorata Villa, 555 McHenry Road, Wheeling, IL 60090. Internment at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.

Donations may be made to Catholic Charities, one of Bob’s favorite organizations.