James Eugene Bates, 89, of Denton passed away on October 31, 2021. James was born on August 30, 1932 in Frederic, WI to Jesse Eugene & Elizabeth Florence Bates.

James graduated from high school in El Dorado, Arkansas and received a B.S. in chemical engineering from LA Tech in 1955. He worked for Texaco Refineries in Port Arthur, TX, Tulsa, OK, and Amarillo, TX. While in Port Arthur, he met and married the love of his life, Kathleen Burrows. They wed in 1969.

After retiring from Texaco Refineries, James worked another 16 years at the Pantex Plant near Amarillo. He was a member of the American Chemical Society and Tau Beta Phi Society.

Mr. Bates is survived by his sons, David & wife Leslie of Carrollton and Mike & wife Stacy of Denton; his grandchildren Edgardo Wilson, Courtney Bates, Noah & Tannyr Bates; 2 brothers, Herbert Bates of Tavares, Florida & Robert Bates of El Dorado, Arkansas. He was an avid angler, Dallas Cowboys fan, and crossword puzzle phenom. Jim was a beloved father, grandfather, and husband. He will be deeply and forever missed.

He is preceded in death by his two children, Glenn Allen Bates & Rochelle Chambers; his parents; 2 brothers, Dale & Neal Bates; 2 sisters, Barbara McGuff and Marilyn Foord.

Graveside services will private.