In Memory

Jimmy Gates

Jimmy Gates

TUSCALOOSA James L. "Jim" Gates, age 62, of Tuscaloosa, died Dec. 5, 2011, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Rimes officiating. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. He is survived by his son, Brad; his sister, Carolyn Gates Hammonds Geist; nieces, Paige Hammonds Sanders, Elaine Hammonds Robins, and Michelle Gates; and the mother of his son, Donna Cannon Holliman. There was something special about my dad. These words I write won't come close to describing what it was about him, but those who knew him will know what I mean. You couldn't help but be drawn to him and love being around him. My dad had more friends than anyone I've ever known. It's easy to see why. Jim Gates was one of the kindest, most fun-loving, generous people you could ever meet. He had friends from all walks of life, many I knew and many I didn't. I know one thing about all of those friends, though: he would have done anything for any of them. That was the kind of guy he was: a great guy with an even greater heart. Though I've already shed many tears over losing him, and I'm sure many more to come, I know my dad, and know that he wouldn't want me, or anyone else, to be sad. Truth be told, he would probably want us all to throw a party and have a good time. That's what he did. He lived his life how he wanted to live it, and by doing so, touched so many different people along the way. I'm going to miss him dearly. I'm going to miss hearing his stories about growing up in Eastwood and everyone hanging out at the "little house." I'm going to miss going hunting with him in his most favorite place on earth. I'm going to miss his telephone calls when he was so confused on how to work his laptop or do something on Facebook. Oh, how frustrating those calls could be at times, but what I wouldn't give for one right now. My dad wasn't a perfect dad by any means, but he was my dad, and I'm so proud to be his son. One of the biggest sources of my pride in him and his pride in himself was his service in the military. Jim "Stepchild" Gates was the toughest of the tough. He served honorably as an Airborne Ranger in Vietnam as a member of P Company Team 1-5. His bravery in battle earned him a medal with Valor. More than that, though, it earned him respect. Jim Gates was not only a true, American hero, he was my hero. On December 5, 2011, Jim Gates, with his family by his side, went home to be with his Lord and Savior and was reunited with his beloved mother, Evelyn Gates; father, Edward Gates; brother, Charles Gates; and dear friends. Honorary pallbearers are David Geer, Bob McKinney, Jimmy McElroy, Jimmy Geer, Sammy Watson, Johnny Trotter, Gary Clements, Roy Guy, Steve Bartlett, and all his friends in the U.S. Army Rangers. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Tuscaloosa Humane Society or one's favorite charity.