James D. Bates
May 24, 1928 ~ October 1, 2011
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Col. James D. Bates, U.S. Army, Ret., 83, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2011 in Pueblo. Survived by Jeanne, his beloved wife of 61 years; children, Raymond L. (Penny) and Kenneth J. Margaret) Bates; two sisters; and six grandchildren. Col. Bates graduated from Riverside Academy, Gainseville, Georgia, the University of Denver, and received his MBA degree from the University of Alabama. Col. Bates spent more than 31 years in the US Army. His assignments included Korea, Viet Nam, Germany, France, the Philippine Islands and many locations in the United States, culminating his career as the Commander of the Pueblo Army Depot. He retired from the Army in 1978. He received many commendations and decorations, to include the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster. After retirement he spent 11 years with the Pueblo County government as Director of Personnel and Administration of the Pueblo County Retirement Plan. He served on many boards and commissions, to include the Pueblo Development Commission; the Pueblo County Capital Construction Corporation; County Retirement Board; PDA Reuse Commission; PDA Development Authority; and the Southern Colorado Economic Development District. He also served on the boards of the Pueblo Symphony Association; The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce; United Way of Pueblo; and the Rosemount Museum. Col. Bates was past president and very active member of Pueblo Rotary Club No. 43 and Pueblo Chapter, Military officers Association of America. Memorial service, 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2011, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel concluding with military honors. Interment will be at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver. Those who desire may make memorials to Pueblo Rotary No. 32 or the Sangre de Cristo Hospice through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Jim's wish was to be remembered for his love of his family, country and friends, and his desire to help others.
So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with Mr. Bates. It has been several years since I had seen him. I will always remember the nice things he did for me years ago.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Bates and family. Col. Bates will be truly missed. I will always remember those fun Sunday Brunches.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
LTC and Mrs. Patrick K. Fogleson
US Army Ret.
Former Commander of PCD
I will always have fond memories of Colonel Bates from our encounters at the Arts Center. You and he have always been so kind to me. I looked forward to seeing the Colonel’s great big smile and hearing his friendly hello whenever we would meet at an Arts Center event. Please accept my condolences, Jeanne.
It has truly been my honor and privilege to know Colonel Bates through Rotary 43! He is indeed the epitomy of what a Rotarian should be. His constant positive attitude and endless work will be missed by all! I will truly miss Colonel Bates and hope to live up to the kind of man he was!
My deepest condolences to you Jeanne. I remember Jim as a warm and compasionate person through my years at “the barn.” May God Bless You and your family.
Jennifer Manley
Colonel Jim Bates was an Officer and a Gentleman. He was a fine man who served his Country, loved his family, and was a real asset to Pueblo. He will be greatly missed by all! Dr. Ron Meek, Past President, Pueblo Community College and Fellow Rotarian