CSM (RET) James A Gates' Obituary
CSM (RET) James (Jim) A Gates, 70, of Fayetteville Arkansas, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2017. He was born October 7, 1946 to James I and Effie Gates in Farmerville Louisiana. Survivors include: his wife JoAnn of Fayetteville; daughter, Tina Gates- McCarver, of Farmington; two son’s Bobby, his wife Melissa Gates of Las Vegas, Nevada; Chris and his wife Mary Lou Gates of Fayetteville; seven grandchildren, Robert and Ashley Dix; Mackenzie and Kyleigh Gates; Reagan, Cameron and Ella Gates; two great grandchildren Aubrey Lynn and Thomas Cole Morton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his two siblings Varisha Greathouse and Tom Gates; Mother and Father-in-law, Herman Bencker and Edith Martin; and one son-in-law, Jay McCarver. Jim enlisted in the United States Army on October 15, 1963. On December 22, 1963 Jim married the love of his life JoAnn Bencker. Jim went to basic training and US Airborne School in 1964. He was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell Kentucky and then completed one tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon return Jim was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Corp in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1969, Jim became employed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and also a member of the California National Guard. He retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1986. Jim attended and graduated from the Sergeant Major Academy in 1994 as a Command Sergeant Major with Honors. Jim retired from the US Military after 33 years of service. Jim enjoyed history, Jeopardy and spending time with his family.
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