James N. Bates passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024 in League City Texas at the age of 60. James was born on January 8, 1964 in Carrizo Springs Texas to Billy Wayne and Anna Marie Bates.

James opted out of high school to obtain his GED in 1982. He worked a little in the oilfield before joining the US Coast Guard in 1986. He was stationed in Kodiak Alaska for 18 months then assigned to Virginia Base where he received tech and machinery training. He was then stationed at Surfside Base, Freeport Texas in 1988. He attended heavy surf school and preformed heavy sea rescue. James was also based out of Cape Disappointment in Oregon.

He worked Drug Interdiction and Fishery Patrol with the Texas Parks and Wildlife. James received two Gold Meritoris Life Saving metals. He was also assigned to Ledet 6 (law enforcement) detachment in Key West Florida. While in Ledet 6 he was assigned Naval Frigate Mesquite in the Persian Gulf where he did tactical boarding on oil platforms, Persian tankers and other vessels of interest. James attended DEA tactical training – Rule of Engagement. He was gratified as a sharpshooter on a 50 caliber machine gun – 2,000 yard confirmed hit. M16 scored 98/100, 9mm scored 100/100, and 45 caliber 100/100 all at 600 yards. James served 4 + 2 years with his service ending in 1992. Designation MK1.
After the Coast Guard, James began a new career in the Heavy Haul, Rig Moving and Oilfield industry. James has worked with companies such as Deep South Crane & Transport, Davenport Transport, Emmert International, Maverick Field Services, and Environmental Services. At the time of his death James was working for Vac2Go where he was a Regional Operations Manager.

In his younger years James was all about fast cars and fast boats. He raced quarter mile with Southern Drug Boat Association and ran in 9 seconds.

James had a sense of humor and was the king of practical jokes. He was an outstanding cook – The man could cook anything. This was his true passion. He loved King Crab and a good steak. He enjoyed saltwater surf fishing, riding his Harley Davidson and drinking. His drink of choice was Bourbon. He was an extreme pet lover.
James was preceded in death by his father, Billy Wayne Bates, his grandparents, Alvin and Marie Bell, Tommy and Willie Mae Bates, Grandmother in-law, Ester Simpson. His father in-law Harold “Sleepy” Simpson and Mother in- law Ruby “Nena” Simpson.
Survived by Wife, Sandy Simpson Bates, Mother, Ann Bates, Sister Angela Wrinkle and husband Thomas, Brother in- law Douglas Simpson and wife Robyn. Uncle, Eddie Fraizer and Wife, JoDean. Step children, Ashlena Hansen and husband Weston, Coe Janner. Step grand children, Devan Simpson, Dawson Hansen, Bexlee Janner, Jag Hansen, Riley Janner and Ruby Hansen. Nephews Schuyler Wrinkle and wife Karigon, Tanner Wrinkle. Pets, Dewey and Lucee. Numerous other family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at La Brisa, 4001 N Hwy 146 Bacliff, Tx 77518 at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, you may send memorials to James’s favorite charities at ASPCA https://secure.aspca.org/donate/donate?ms=wb_top_homepage-donate&initialms=wb_top_homepage-donate&pcode=WEBMEMBER&lpcode=WEBGUARD or St Jude Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now.