Individual Details

Death

James Louis Bates, 85, of Panama City, Fla., died Thursday, June 19, 2008, in his home. He was born Oct. 15, 1922, in Sharkey County, Miss., to James Franklin and Ivy Adella Furr Bates. He had been a resident of Panama City since 1957, moving here from Orlando, Fla. Retiring as major from the United States Air Force, he piloted B-17s in World War II and was wounded over Anzio, Italy, in 1943. He served in the strategic air command flying B-47s, from which he retired in 1960. He also served during the Korean War. He later was employed by WJHG for 22 years. He was a member of the St. Andrew United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the choir and the Men's Club. He also was a member of the St. Andrew Bay Power Squadron, the United States Power Squadron and the Reserve Officers Association. He was preceded in death by his wife, Venice Gainous Bates; two sons, Robert E. Bates and Richard L. Bates; and a sister, Helen Giadrosich. He is survived by four children, Jimmie Bates Ashlock, Sara P. Bates, Charles F. Bates and John D. Bates; three stepchildren, Robert L. Gainous, Susan D. Davis and Venice E. Russell; three brothers, Jerry F. Bates, Charles K. Bates and Robert W. Bates; a sister, Hazel McDonald; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2008, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church with the Rev. Chris Cook officiating with full military honors. There will be no graveside services held. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 22, 2008, at the funeral home. Panama City News Herald on 6/21/2008