James H. Nates Jr.

Rev. Dr. James Herbert Nates Jr., known lovingly to family and friends as Jimmy or Jim, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at the age of ninety-three, of natural causes. Born on July 15, 1932, in Columbia, South Carolina, Jim lived a long, full life marked by deep faith, boundless energy, and a genuine love for the people around him.

Jim was the son of the late James Herbert Nates Sr. and Lilla Ethleen Shipman. He grew up in the Elmwood area of Columbia delivering the State Newspaper. He developed an early love of athletics at Columbia High School (downtown) that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Whether it was football or track in his younger years, or running, hiking, and tennis as the decades rolled on, Jim was a man who believed in moving through the world with purpose and vitality. He simply enjoyed life, and it showed in everything he did.

Beyond his love of sports and the outdoors, Jim was a man of wide-ranging passions. He was an avid reader and a devoted traveler, always eager to see new places and learn new things. Perhaps most memorably, he was a gifted conversationalist and storyteller. Time spent with Jim was never dull. He had a way of drawing people in, sharing stories that could make you laugh, think, or simply feel grateful to be sitting across from him.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Davis Nates. Jim is also survived by his daughters, Pamela June Nates, and Jennifer Nates Dalenburg (Adam); his sons, David Charles (Venetta) and Timothy Andrew (Sharon); grandchildren Hannah Boss (Terry); Brittany Nates Gruman (Kevin); Nicholas Charles Nates; Adam Joseph Dalenburg Jr. (Katie); Samuel Nates Dalenburg (Brittany); and James Brent Dalenburg along with many precious great grandchildren. His family also includes Ron Sanders (Candance), children Lydia, and Aaron (Meg) and family; Tricia Heen (Andy), with children David (Whitney), Emily, Anna and Joshua. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his son, James Herbert 'Herbie' Nates III, whose loss he carried with grace and quiet strength.

At the center of Jim's life was his unwavering dedication to his faith and his church. He was licensed to preach in September 1951 at age nineteen. Jim served faithfully as an Elder (ordained August 1957) in the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church for over 60 years, a role that reflected not just his commitment to Christian service but the deep, abiding relationship he had with God. His faith was not something he kept to himself. It shaped the way he treated others, the way he led, and the way he loved. Jim walked closely with the Lord throughout his 93 years, and his family takes great comfort in knowing that he now rests in the arms of his Savior, reunited with those who went before him.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Ashland United Methodist Church, 2600 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC 29210, followed by a celebration of life service at 1:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Rev. Jonathan Harris, Rev. Joel Jones, and Rev. Arthur Holt. Burial will follow immediately at Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia, South Carolina.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Agape Hospice and Grace Caregivers for the compassionate, tender care they provided during Jim's final days. Their kindness and dedication brought great comfort to both Jim and his family during a challenging time. Please make donations to any organization aligned with justice, equality and serving the underserved.

Jim Nates lived well, loved deeply, and kept the faith. The world is a little quieter without his stories, but the memories he left behind will be cherished for generations to come.