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James Gates Sr. Obituary

James “Jim” Dennis Gates Senior passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at his home in Lake City, surrounded by family.     
    He was born on July 8, 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Joseph Dallas and Lois Marie (Royer) Gates. He was the youngest of three children, older brother, Ken (Mary Jane) and sister, Joan.
    Jim married his high school sweetheart Cathleen Mary Gillette (Missy) on Nov. 2, 1968 in National City, Calif. Together, with hard work and determination, they built a loving family that brought six sons into the world, James Jr. (Johanna) of Lake City, Christopher (Melinda) of Los Fresnos, Texas, Jacob (Melinda) of Elgin, S.C., Joseph (Sharon) of Waunakee, Wis., John “Willie” (Katie) of Lake City, and David (Shannon) of Elgin.
    He had numerous passions in life including fast cars, all types of racing (especially NHRA drag racing), Lake City Tiger athletics (having lettered in basketball during the '94/95 season for excessive cheering), fishing, gardening, and leg lamps (a major award). He also loved his Chicago sports teams, cooking, and he had a humorous love of life. His hugs were unforgettable, he genuinely cared for those around him, and he was the type of guy you always wanted in your corner.
    He was an adoring “Papa” to 17 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one step-grandchild.
    The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Mayo Clinic Health System, Lake City Ambulance, Lake City fire and police departments, and the dedicated staff of Mayo Clinic Hospice Red Wing for all your tireless efforts supporting him and the family throughout the course of his illness (especially you Kim!).  God speed Papa!            A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 28, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson-Peterson Chapel in Lake City. Online condolences may be placed at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.
 

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