James F. Bates

   James F. Bates, 93, Clayton and formerly of Watertown passed away at his winter home in Lakeland, FL April 6, 2025.

   James was born in Watertown April 17, 1931, son of Benjamin H. and Laurine (Fraley) Bates. He was a graduate of Watertown High School and had attended Clarkson University. 

   He enlisted in the US Air Force on January 5, 1951. He was a member of the 68th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (Lightning Lancers). Among his duty stations were Korea and Japan. James received the following medals, the Korean Service Medal with a bronze star, Occupation Medal (Japan), and the National Defense Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. He was honorably discharged as an Airman 2nd Class on December 9, 1954.

   On June 28, 1958 he married Kathleen O'Connor at Holy Family Church with Msgr. Albert J. Farrell officiating.

   James served 36 years with Stebbins Engineering, Watertown, retiring as Chief Draftsman. He was a communicant of Holy Family Church until 1999, the couple moved to Clayton, and he was currently a communicant of St. Mary's Church. He was a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus. He was a member of Watertown Sportsman and a life member of Watertown American Legion Post 61. James enjoyed fishing on the St. Lawrence River, attending the reunions of the 68th Fighter Interceptor Squad, and his love of his grandchildren and great grandchildren was known by all.

   Along with his wife, Kathleen, James is survived by his five children, Mary Bates Dorman, Webster, Margaret Algie Brown, Cape Vincent, Patrick J. Bates, Watertown, Jeanne M. Bates and husband Jeffrey, Liverpool and John F. Bates and wife Gail, Saratoga Springs; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren; brother-in-law John F. O'Connor, Syracuse; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; brother William Bates (Rose); and two sisters, Marilyn Barrett (Charles) and Helen Guyton (Al); sister-in-law Rose O'Connor, Syracuse; and son-in-law Timothy Algie, 1996, son-in-law Warren Brown, 2017.

   A calling hour will be held at St. Mary's Church on Friday, May 2, at 10:00 AM followed by the funeral mass celebrated at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Old St. Mary's Cemetery with military honors. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton and online condolences to James' family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers donations in his name may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601 or Kevin Guest House, 782 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY 14203.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James F. Bates, please visit our floral store.