James was born on July 19, 1931 in Okemah, OK to James L. Gates, Sr. and Ora Jane (Freeman) Gates. James grew up on the family farm in Oklahoma, and was known by friends and family as “Jim.”
Jim received a scholarship to Oklahoma State University and attended there from 1950-1952.
In 1952, Jim was drafted into the Army during the Korean conflict, rising to the rank of Corporal. He was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. While there he received various commendations and medals during his service.
When Jim was discharged from the Army he moved to Kansas City to attend Central Technical Institute (Devry). He graduated with a degree in Industrial Electronics in 1957.
At the urging of his Aunt Kate he begin attending the Pentecostal church founded by W. I. Black. Shortly after attending there he was baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. This experience changed his life completely.
Jim worked at Bendix Corporation from 1957 until 1963. He was temporarily transferred to work at Honeywell, Aero Division in Minnesota from June 1957 until December 1957. While there he attended the Pentecostal church in Minneapolis - St. Paul pastored by S. G. Norris.
He worked for the Department of Energy from 1963 until 1984. He then worked for The Defense Logistics Agency, for the United States Department of Defense until his retirement in 1993. James continued to do contract work in this field until 1995. He then went to work for Davis & Pierce Die Service until 2004.
Jim was married to the love of his life, Faith D. (West) Gates on September 22, 1961. In December 1964, they welcomed their pride and joy, Craig, into their lives. Jim and Faith shared 55 wonderful years together until her passing in 2016.
Jim was a member of Greater Life Church in Kansas City, MO.
Over the years Jim served in many different areas of ministry. His favorite role was as an Usher and the one he continued to serve in as much as possible. He loved to meet people and let the love of Jesus shine through him.
One of Jim’s greatest joys was to see his family serving the Lord and following after His calling in their life. His family were recipients of his prayer and faithfulness.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Faith D. (West) Gates, his father, James L. Gates Sr. and his mother, Ora Jane (Freeman) Gates, his brothers and sister, Leroy Gates, Clifford Gates, and Ruby Beasley.
Jim is survived by his son, Craig L. Gates, daughter in law, Melinda Gates, 3 grandchildren, Alexander Gates, Hannah Call and her husband Caleb Call, and Joel Gates, 3 sisters, Dorothy Tierney, Betty Heady, Kathryn Rash, sister in law, Sylvia Gates, along with many other family and friends.
Visitation will be at 6pm with a service following at 7pm on Thursday, May 26, at Greater Life Church 5225 N. Brighton Ave, Kansas City, MO 64119. Military honors ceremony and Interment will be at noon on Friday, May 27, at Higginsville Veterans Cemetery.
