James "Jimmy" Morris Bates, 77, of Bay City, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2008. He was born September 6, 1931 in Bay City to Morris Sylvian Bates and Lola Bell Grimes Bates. He was a life long resident of Bay City, a member of the Baptist Church, a member of the Masonic Lodge and retired as a welder from Celanese.

He is survived by his son: Ricky Bates & wife Bridget O'Brien of Van Vleck; a sister: Shirley Friday of Sweeny; by his brothers: Fred Bates of Riverside, CA, Sidney Bates of Bay City, Earl Bates of Huntsville, Lee Roy Bates of Bay City and Burton Lee Bates of Arkansas; by two grandchildren: Ricky Lee Bates II and Jennifer Kaye Butman; and by his great grandchild: Baylee Jae Bates. He was preceded in death by his wife: Nedra Sue Carter Bates; his parents: Morris S. and Lola Bell Bates; and his sister: Susie O'Neal.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck. Pallbearers will be Wayne Bruening, Jerry Reed, Danny Donaldson, David Hubbard, Doug Jenkins and Woodrow Riedel.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.