James Bates

Beloved husband, father, mentor, leader and dear friend passed away on December 20th, 2021 at his home in Brighton, CO. He was with his loving wife, Margie, and daughters, Jennifer and Angela.

Born, October 4th, 1945 in Greeley, Colorado to Harry Bates and Mabel Cottle, Jim was brought up tending the family farm, bailing hay and taking care of livestock. At the age of 12, he suddenly became an orphan due to the loss of his parents. He was sent to a Boys home in Denver, CO, where he remained until he was in high school. He attended both Westminster and later Ft. Collins High School. He excelled in academics and several sports such as football, baseball, basketball and swimming. Upon graduation from Ft. Collins High School, he received scholarships from more than a few universities, including Notre Dame and Colorado State University. As a Colorado native, he proudly accepted CSU as his home to continue his football and academic future.

Jim was able to attend college for a short period of time prior to his enlistment in the US Airforce. After basic training Airman Bates was sent to Vietnam. He achieved the rank of Sergeant 4th Class – Supervisor, Combat Security Police. During his service, he received numerous distinguished medals as well as achieving Expert Marksmanship for serving 2 deployments in Vietnam. The stories he shared with family left us with ever-lasting respect and admiration for him and his fellow veterans.

After his discharge from the Air Force, Jim became a Deputy Sheriff in Richland County, South Carolina where he served his community for almost 2 years. He chose to pursue other interests and joined Charter Oil Company, as well as pursuing his athletic interests. He joined the Atlanta Falcons as a Defensive End. After a short period of time he then played semi-pro football with the Augusta Eagles. While he was touring with the team, he continued with work and played semi-pro football, and was allowed an opportunity to be in a movie called the Longest Yard. One of his most proud moments and bragging points for sure. To us, we always found it fun to see him play on the field throughout the game and locker room scenes and watch as he would “act” on the big screen. He was definitely true to his stories and we can see how much he enjoyed playing his role and playing football. He was honored to have this “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

Jim returned to Colorado, he met the love of his life and future wife, Margie on a blind date in 1974 and they were married in 1975. They each had daughters, Shannon (1969) and Jennifer (1972) and in 1978 welcomed their daughter, Angela. They made Arvada, CO as their home for the next 30 years.

Jim was employed by Royal Petroleum and Diamond Shamrock for over 30 years combined. He was highly devoted to his job and to the people who worked with him. His colleagues were his family away from home and he was always glad to help his team, no matter what time of day or night. Even after his retirement he always shared such fond memories of what he did and the relationships he had with the people he worked with.

After his retirement from Diamond Shamrock, he held a part time job as Security Officer at the Adams County Justice Center until he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He fought a hard and courageous battle to beat a disease that truly took hold of him. True to his nature, he was tough and made it to remission, but this did take its toll on the rest of him, fighting other physical battles as they came.

Jim is remembered for his smile, laughter, giving and kind nature, BIG hugs and unconditional love. He was hard to miss with his big size and a personality to match. This left a lasting impression with all who knew him. He leaves us with broken hearts. He was truly a breath of fresh air and sunlight.

Jim is survived and will be forever cherished by his loving wife, Margie Bates, Daughters Shannon Bates McClure, Jennifer (Jenny) Bates Hogoboom (Troy) and Angela (Angie) Bates Powers (Tim); his grandchildren T.J., Lauren, Ben, Sophie, Nick, Katie, Madelyn and James; As well, his treasured niece and nephew Heather and Zachary Sargent and many dear friends.

The family is thankful for all the doctors, nurses and service providers that have provided their support and care to Jim over recent years.

Holy Rosary will be conducted at St. Augustine Catholic Church, (178 S 6th Ave, Brighton, CO 80601) at 7:00 PM, on Tuesday, January 11th.

Funeral Mass will be held at Horan & McConaty Chapel, (3101 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227) at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, January 12th. This is followed by Fort Logan Procession and Committal at 12:00 PM.

Please join us for a reception following the Committal at Fort Logan at the Horan & McConaty facility (3101 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227) from 12:30 to 3:00 PM.

Memorial donations in Jim’s honor can be made to the following organizations:

The Boys Town.org

The Wounded Warriors Project