James Ronald Bates, 61, of Idaho Falls and formerly of Gandy, Utah, passed away at Life Care Nursing home May 23, 2005, following a short illness.

He was born September 15, 1943 in Murray, Utah, to Cecil and Noma Sims Bates. He grew up in the Gandy-Delta, Utah area where he graduated from Delta High School in 1962.

On June 1, 1962, he married Wanda Justesen in Delta, Utah. They were later divorced. He spent his life time in Idaho, Nevada, and Utah working as a carpenter, farmer, and mechanic.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and teaching his children to enjoy the things he loved most. We love you Dad and you will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his special friend, Karen Lott of Idaho Falls and the following children: Kathy (Cory) Cox and Cozzette (Ronn) Allen both of Idaho Falls Linda (Brian) Scott of Cheyenne, WY Scott (Marcy) Bates, Gary (Sheila) Bates, Rona (Mark) Williams all of Idaho Falls 17 Grandchildren and 8 Great-grandchildren father, Cecil Bates of Gandy, UT siblings: Lanny (Peggy) Bates of Wells, NV Jerald (Marlene) Bates of Gandy, UT June (Doug) Castagno of Grantsville, UT Judy (Ed) Moore of Fallon, NV Dale Bates of Oregon Darrell Bates of Fallon, NV Rhonda (Tony) Hannebaum of Gandy, UT Amy Sabey of Calleo, UT Dixie Brunson of Fallon, NV

He was preceded in death by his mother, Noma E. Bates, and Joe Bates.

Graveside services will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Gandy Cemetery in Gandy, Utah, on Thursday, May 26, 2005. Local arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. in Idaho Falls.