Jim Bates

SERVICES: FRIDAY JUNE 2, 2017 1:00 P.M. MCCLAIN-HAYS CHAPEL INTERMENT: COOKS CHAPEL CEMETERY VISITATION: FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017 10:00 A.M. UNTIL SERVICE TIME Mr. Bates, 66, of Philadelphia, died Thursday, June 1, 2017, at his home. He was a native and longtime resident of Philadelphia, MS.  He formerly worked at the NAPA store in Philadelphia and later at Louisiana-Pacific.  He was the owner/craftsman of Bulz-I Custom Knives, an avid gun enthusiast, and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.  Mr. Bates was a member of Trinity Baptist Church where he served as deacon and Youth Sunday School teacher. He volunteered at the Neshoba Baptist Center and was song and Sunday School leader at Neshoba County Nursing Home.  He had served in the Army National Guard and was a former member of the Philadelphia Country Club.  Survivors include his wife, Judy Bates of Philadelphia; daughters, Mandi King (Bart) of Madison, Bonnie Coggins (Scott) of Philadelphia, Kelli Champion (Daniel) of Beulah Hubbard; step-daughter, Jennifer Gressett (Brad) of Lake, MS; step-son, Jeremy Thomas (Rose) of Benton, LA; grandchildren, Sadie and Baylor Coggins, Noah and Ella Jane King, Caiden Tullos, Halee Champion, Maggie and Max Gressett, Jackson, Abigail and Mabry Thomas; brother, Stan Bates (Barbara) of Philadelphia. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Bates, and mother, Cedera McNair.