Love you grandpa, rest easy, say hi to grandma for me. Until I meet you again in Heaven. Well done good and faithful servant

Dear Family,

We love you all so much, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. During these difficult days, please try to focus on the wonderful memories you shared with Dad as you continue to support each other and grow in love.

Remember that you are blessed.

With love,
Elder Joseph & Jennifer Lastery

My grandpa said he liked my hat and so me and uncle Timmy put it on him. He looked so cool and we had a great time that day.

May the peace,  joy,  and the comfort of the Lord  keep you in this time of great loss knowing that your loved one has run his race and is at rest with Jesus. You have my deepest condolences,

We will always celebrate you. ♥️♥️♥️

Dad your last family reunion San Antonio Texas 2025 you never missed a reunion. ❤️

Look at you and Judy in Jamaica having an amazing time. 😎

Dad you always love the theater and we were at the theater to see a Motown Christmas and you thoroughly enjoyed it? 2025 December

Dad, the last time that you traveled was in 2025 and you went to Jamaica. You told everyone what a wonderful time we had. You will always be a royal traveler companion.😎

Daddy you and aunt Josie never missed a party. 🎉

Daddy, he was always happy when your grandchildren and your great grandchildren came to church♥️

Daddy, if your sister aunt Dorothy could’ve been here she would be right in the middle of this photo. We love you so much your family.♥️

Who has the best looking daddy in the whole wide world. We do.♥️♥️♥️♥️

Daddy Brooke and Britton just love you so much. She’s already asking where is my Grandpa. ♥️

Who has the best looking dad in the whole wide world do we do?  ♥️♥️

Dad, you will always be the life of our parties
🎊

Dad you and mom have always been an amazing pair. Back together again. ♥️♥️♥️

Dad, even as a young man, you have always been most handsome ♥️

Dad, I’ll never forget after your 95th birthday. You went to the guardians baseball game with the Cleveland Heights high school class of 1978. My classmates love you and was expecting you to come to the game with us this year. But heaven knew best and right by your side as you would call her your little Carolyn Jr. Thanks dad for being a great sportsman.♥️

Dad, it was always my pleasure to be one of your best girls after mom went to heaven. I used to like to dress up in her hats because it would remind you of how beautiful she was. You can now smile with her and tell her how much we miss her and now we’re going to miss you dad. Thank you for being an amazing father husband. Just an outstanding man. Thanks dad I’ll always love you.♥️

Dad, it never made a difference what we were doing what we were celebrating in our lives but you was there right in the middle celebrating and making each moment happy and memorable. What are we supposed to do with the parties without you now? 💔

Then I can never recall a time in my life that you was not there to pick me up through the Good through the bad happier sad you was there. I remember as a little girl when I was afraid you would just rock me and read the scriptures to me and let me know that God was covering me. You were my king. ♥️

Dad, you was always standing up and loving and being an amazing father, an amazing example and many people far and near love and respect the man that you are❤️❤️

To Justine Lockwood and Family, sending love and prayers to the Gates family . My condolences to you all.  Your father was a blessing , his memory will be a treasure.  I pray that the memories of Dad bring you peace, comfort and strength.

Sent with love

I remember at Christmas dinner he made sure me and my daughter felt loved and welcomed and gave us the best Xmas cookies to take home and loved his smile and always kind words, and a funny guy ,Love you Mr Gates rest well..Terry Faison and Takeyta Jones

Naomi, growing up I knew your dad was one of the people we could rely on to have our backs, to keep us safe. The world has lost a very valuable soul. I am praying for your family. 
Love you my friend.  ❤️Pat Bonet

To the entire Gates family and specifically our wonderful colleague and cherished friend  Mark ,

The entire Nagel family and Decron community mourns alongside you at the passing of your beloved father James Lee Gates , Sr. 
While we didn’t have the privilege to know him , we know you , your kindness , your intelligence and your values of integrity  , charity and faith.  These exceptional characteristics undoubtedly came from  both your mother OBM and your father OBM.

We pray for you all to find comfort in the days ahead and celebrate the many years the Almighty blessed him with.  May the family always remember him with great warmth and love and his memory always be a blessing.  
With deep respect and fondness,
Gitta Nagel , Esther &  Paul , Ron & Cheryl , David & Marnie , Careena & Drew 
And your many Decron professional peers and colleagues.

We are very sorry for your loss, knowing how much love Mark has for his father.  Sending peace, contentment, and support.  The O’Brien-Leaver family.

Sorry for your loss. We are praying for your family and God bless Dara Robinson, Jones.

Expressing my deepest sympathies to the entire family. Mark and I share a fantastic employment relationship that has turned into a deep respectful friendship . We are all so sorry to witness this loss for Mark and his whole family. May your memories last a lifetime 

David Nagel

Sharing in your grief, and standing firm in your hope and the promises of a heavenly home. May the Holy Spirit and your faith in God hold you in love at this time.

It's been such a pleasure getting to know your son Mark. He's a pain most days..... but sometimes I can see  the byproduct of a lovely family. Sending lots of love and comfort to all

OBITUARY

Elder James Lee Gates Sr.

August 29, 1930 – July 31, 2026

Cummings & Davis Funeral Home

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Celebration Of Life Funeral Service

Interment Lake View Cemetery