Kingsport, Tn.-James Edward Bates, 74, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at his home.
He was born and raised in Corry, Pa., which held a special place in his heart no matter where he lived. He served in the U. S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and served in the Army Reserves. Jim served with the Mar Mac Volunteer Fire Department in Goldsboro, NC for 8 years and was Fire Chief in 1980. He was an avid collector of firefighter memorabilia and donated his collection to the Firefighters Historical Museum in Erie, PA. He received a Masters of Accounting from ETSU and was a life member of the International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi, ETSU Delta XI Chapter. He achieved the Certified Public Accountant designation and was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Jim was a Professor of Accounting for 25 years at Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, Va. He was of Episcopalian faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil J. and Florence L. (Hotchkiss) Bates.
Surviving are his wife of 11 years, Pamela L. Bates; daughters, Joanna B. Whitfield, Goldsboro, NC and Heather L. Davis, Hampstead, NC; grandchildren, Elizabeth A. Whitfield, Stephen P. Whitfield II, Lily J. Davis and Logan I. Osborne; great grandson, Carson M. Kelly; step children, David A. Osborne and Joshua M. Craddock, Kingsport, Tn.
James requested cremation and a memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Bates family.