James 'Jim' Bates
Passed in: Bateston, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: November 3rd, 2011
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and good friend, Jim Bates on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011, at the An Cala Unit, Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by his loving family.
Born Nov. 19, 1942, he was the son of the late Austin and Alice (O’Neil) Bates.
Jim was an active member of his community. He was a founding member of the Bateston Athletic Club for 42 years and a member of the Bateston Volunteer Fire Department for 34 years serving as chief for the last 24 years. He worked for Reeves Homes, Parks Canada, and was a fisherman before his employment with the Canadian Coast Guard for the last 28 years until his illness.
He was awarded the Medal of Bravery in June 2002.
Jim took great pride in his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. Jim was a man of great kindness and love, with a great faith in God and was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Main-a-Dieu.
Left to mourn are his wife of 43 years, Williamina (Spencer); sons, James (Carol Ann), Port Morien, Kelly (Sharry), Bateston, Scott (Adell), Albert Bridge, Shawn (Ashley), Lloydminster; grandchildren, Brian, Robyn, Austin, Brandon, Connor, Corey, Chase, Daneeka and Spencer. He is also survived by his sisters, Marie White, Eileen Boutilier, both of Bateston, Susan MacDonald, North Sydney, Theresa MacDonald, Rita Bates, both of Sydney; sister-in-law, Iris Bates; brother-in-law, Tom Wilcox; mother-in-law, Josepha (Locke) Spencer, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Alice Wilcox, brothers, Dave, John, (Helen), Herman, Gerard, Alex, brothers-in-law, Lloyd, Sonny, Wilfred and Ferdie, father-in-law, Bill Spencer and three siblings in infancy.
We, the family, extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff in the palliative care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, for your compassion and care for Jim and the family during this difficult time. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who visited, sent cards and shared stories that brightened his day.
Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, at the Immaculate Conception Church, Main-a-Dieu, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will take place 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, at the Immaculate Conception Church, Main-a-Dieu, with Fr. Raj officiating. Interment to follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit, Sydney.
Online condolences may be sent to our web page at www.chantfuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of
