- Date Of Birth: September 7, 1943
- Date Of Death: January 20, 2018
- State: New Jersey
James (Jim) Anthony Bates Sr., 74, of Toms River, died peacefully at home on January 20th, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Newark, NJ on September 7, 1943. Jim attended Seton Hall Preparatory School, Seton Hall University, Immaculate Conception Seminary, and Catholic University. He served our Lord and the Archdiocese of Newark as a Catholic Clergyman from 1969 to 1972.
Following his service in the priesthood, he worked in different roles and organizations as a professional advisor and counselor. Included in this were over 30 years as a Veterans’ Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist where he helped disabled veterans after their service was complete. For many of these years, he also worked as an academic advisor for Ocean County College. Following his retirement from the federal government, he worked for the Social Security Administration for 10 years.
A natural at what he did both professionally and personally, Jim was easy to talk to and countless people sought his wise counsel throughout his life. For many years, Jim was a fixture at Toms River High School East, Toms River East Little League, piano recitals, concerts, and theatrical events in support of his children’s activities. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, and the New York Yankees. He will be fondly remembered for being a formidable Jeopardy! competitor, his quick wit, and blueberry pancakes. A welcoming and gracious host to countless family, friends, and strangers, he truly loved the fellowship of get-together at his house. He has now been welcomed into the very presence of our Lord in Heaven.
Jim is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 46 years, Christl (Chris) Bates, and their four children, spouses, and grandchildren: Jim, Melinda, Andrew James and Juliana Claire Bates of Pace, FL; Kieran, Noelle (Bates), and Gavin James O’Shea of Yardley, PA; Stephen Bates of Toms River, NJ, and Daniel, Brianne, and Cameron James Bates of Toms River, NJ.
