For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

James David Gates (better known as Jim, Dad, Grandpa or Pop by those who love him) passed away peacefully in St. Louis, Missouri on January 6, 2015 at the age of 73. Jim was born on September 9, 1941 in Evansville, Indiana where he was raised by his loving parents; David and Helen A. Gates.

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Judy Gayle Gates (Rausch); his three children and their spouses; Natalie & John Jeffress, Jeff & Malissa Gates and Christy & Brian Decker; and his seven grandchildren who he loved more than words can ever express; Andrew, Blake & Lauren Jeffress, Hunter & Caitlynn Chaney and Ian & Maya Decker.

Jim proudly served our country from 1960 to 1976 with his service in the United States Army, The Army National Guard of Indiana and the Air National Guard of Missouri. Many people knew Jim as “The Mailman” because of his long career with the United States Postal Service. After retiring from the United States Postal Service, Jim continued to take great pride in his work by teaching others how to drive as a certified driver’s training instructor, serving on the private security detail of a prominent local businessman and by being the activities bus driver at Meramec Bluffs Senior Living Community. While Jim took great pride in his work, a few of his true passions in life included enjoying the beauty of the American Bald Eagle, trout fishing at Montauk State Park, square dancing with his wife and the Masonic Lodge. Jim and his wife, Judy, enjoyed many years of square dancing with the Rafter Rockers of Ballwin, Missouri. They even attended the College of Do Si Dos and Allemande Lefts to earn a Bachelor of Square Dancing Degree. Jim’s involvement within the Masonic Lodge included memberships at Valley Park Lodge # 629, Moolah Temple of St. Louis, Meramec Lodge # 313 and Fenton Lodge # 281. Jim earned the right to be called a 32nd Degree Freemason in June of 1983 and served as the Worshipful Master of Meramec Lodge # 313 in Eureka, Missouri from 2011 to 2012.

Visitation and memorial services will be held at Meramec Lodge # 313 in Eureka, Missouri on Thursday, January 8, 2015. Visitation will begin at 6:00 pm with a Masonic and memorial service to follow beginning at 7:30pm. Jim’s final resting place will be Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery where a private ceremony with full military honors will be held for him and his family on Friday, January 9, 2015.

In lieu of flowers; memorial donations in Jim’s honor can be made to the Masonic Lodge of your choice, the World Bird Sanctuary or the American Diabetes Association.

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