James "Jim" Howell Cates

James “Jim” Howell Cates, age 86, of Live Oak, FL passed away Thursday, July 2, 2015 at Brightmoor Hospice in Griffin, GA. He was a native of Clayton County, GA moving to Live Oak in 1984. He worked as a pipe fitter and served in the U.S. Coast Guard. James loved horses and spending time with his family. He was a member of Barrett Lodge # 43 F & AM and attended Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. He was predeceased by his wife, Virginia Cates and a son, David Bruce Cates. He is survived by three sons, Ronald Cates, Live Oak; Gregory Cates, Griffin, GA; James Cates, McDonough, GA; one daughter, Linda Guest, Meansville, GA; two sisters, Carolyn Hosea, Smyrna, GA; Merle Dailey, Griffin, GA; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Visitation was held one hour prior to the services from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the church. Funeral services were held 2:00 PM, Monday, July 6, 2015 in the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, with Rev. Lamar McCray officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.