Jimmy graduated from UAM where he was president of the Baptist Student Union and held a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX. Jimmy began his ministry as a Baptist preacher in May, 1970 and went on to pastor churches in Arkansas, Texas and the Cayman Islands. He served as Chairman of Missions (SBC) and was a member of the Wolf Creek Baptist Camp Board. In addition to pastoring, Jimmy was also director of the Alternative Program at Drew Central Schools.
The onset of Parkinson's forced Jimmy to retire from Collins Baptist Church after having served as their pastor for twenty-five years. Three years ago Jimmy's health had declined to the point that constant care was needed and he was blessed to move into Audrey New's Special House and become part of her extended family where he was unconditionally loved and received the very best of care. Of course, she says they were the ones who were blessed because Jimmy ministered to her and the staff as well as the other residents. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother, Gene Bates.
He is survived by two sons, Ben Bates (Chelsea) of San Diego, CA and Landon Bates (Michelle Fontana) of Oakland, CA; one brother, Dale Bates (Dianna) of Monticello; one sister, Donna Watts (Kevin) and Kem Shrum (the mother of his two boys).
In addition to Ms. Audrey and her staff, the family would like to thank Dr. Michael Fakouri for being so good to Jimmy, the staff of Drew Memorial Hospital and Hospice Home Care. Also, a special "thank you" to Dian Ricks, Ben Lawrence and Ann Sivils for the excellent care they gave Jimmy for many years.
Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, July 3, 2020, at Old Troy Church with burial to follow in Trafalgar Cemetery. Visitation 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Troy Church Restoration Fund, c/o Dian Ricks, 405 Wilcoxon, Hamburg, AR 71646 or to the Trafalgar Cemetery Fund, c/o Ben Lawrence, 859 Ashley 105, Montrose, AR 71658. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(21)
Peggy Eddy
Austin, AR Thursday, August 6, 2020 I knew Jimmy in college, he followed me as the President of the Baptist Student Union (BSU). He was the most polite, gentleman and respectful!!!! We went to Little Rock together to attend a State BSU convention. We also worked together at the Baptist Home. He was a dear friend to everyone that knew him. He was fun to be around but was serious about the Lord!!! My prayers are for his family and hope that you all follow his teaching. Peggy Stedman EddyIna P. Morgan Shaw
, VA Sunday, July 5, 2020 My prayers for all the family. Jim was a special friend and loved by those who knew him. Love to all of the family. Many precious memories from UAM and Southwestern days.Helen Christmas &Family
Collins, AR Sunday, July 5, 2020 Brother Jim was like a son to me. He was always doing good things for me. He helped me in so many ways when Tom and Tommy passed away. My heart goes out to Landon, Ben and Dale. I will miss him so much; he was so loved by all our family. Rest In Peace.Vicki Profit
Atlanta, GA Saturday, July 4, 2020 Jim was my second cousin. We connected due to my genealogy research. Due to that I was fortunate to attend several family reunions at Sardis Church and connect with my mother’s family. Jim was all about people, family and history. He was kind and loving and generous. Despite our distance we shared a wonderful friendship. I will miss him.Becky bates
Clarksville, TN Thursday, July 2, 2020 Jim bates was a wonderful man and friend. He spoke at richard bates (cousin)it meant so much to all of us. He will be missed, but he is where he wanted to be.Faye
, AR Thursday, July 2, 2020 To Jimmy’s family we send our condolences. Dale and Donna we send our love. Faye and family.Amanda McCuin Huey
Benton, AR Thursday, July 2, 2020 I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Bates’ passing. He was one of my favorite teachers at Monticello JR. High. He was a good man and I’m better for having known him. Sending love and prayers to his family.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, July 2, 2020 Dale, Diana & Family,God has taken a great follower of his and a gentleman. We worked together at many funerals in past. I'm sure you have many memories to cherish and I pray God gives you peace and comfort in your loss.
With love & sympathy, Jaice
Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 2, 2020 Dale & Dianna,I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. You all are in my thoughts & prayers.
In Christian Love,
Sharon
Irma James
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 2, 2020 To family: sorry for your loss. Jimmy and I worked together during our employment through State Health Dept. Great guy and always had a happy smile.John Porter Price
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 2, 2020 I am saddened to hear of Reverend Jimmy’s demise, but am encouraged knowing he is in a better place.Regina Gorman
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 2, 2020 I first met Mr. Bates in 1996 when I began my teaching career at Drew Central. He became one of my best friends there and we continued our friendship throughout the years. He truly cared for the students and everyone he met. I am so privileged for knowing him. He blessed my life and I am thankful he is now rejoicing with the Lord. Prayers for all of his family.Martha Huffman
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 2, 2020 Dale and Diana I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. May God bless you all during this difficult time. Jimmy was a great Godly man.Bobbie Ross
Warren, AR Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Dale and Diana I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. May God bless you all during this difficult time.Tommy and Ann Wood
, AR Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Bro Jim was a wonderful, loving person.We were blessed by him being a part of our lives.
Thoughts and prayers 🙏🏼❤️
Trisha Jo Tanksley
Crossett, AR Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Jimmy will be very sorely missed by me and all of our family at Audrey's special home! We had a very strong bond with jimmy and learned alot from him! He definitely left his footprints on our hearts! Go rest high on that mountain, my sweet friend.Cynthia McKinstry
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, July 1, 2020 So sorry for the families’ Loss of Brother Jimmy. My prayers & thoughts are w/y’all during this time.Larry & Gail Hammil
Star City, AR Wednesday, July 1, 2020 We are so sorry to hear that Bro Jim has passed away. We always thought so much of him, as he was pastor to my parents, Harris and Della Henry. They were so very fond of him and he helped with their services when they went home. He's been sick for so long, now he is no longer sick and I know he is with our Lord & Savior, rejoicing and singing praises. May GOD comfort and bless his family and help them through this difficult time. Ya'll are in our prayers.Phillip Herring
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Dear Dale and Dianna,You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Jimmy was one of the kindest and moist compassionate people I have ever know. He was a true friend to our Phillips family for many, many years.
May God bless and comfort you!
Phillip Herring
Dewayne Willis
Rogers, AR Tuesday, June 30, 2020 So sorry to hear of this. Known Jimmy since we were little fellows. I love you. Dewayne WillisDale Kizer
White Hall, AR Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Brother Bates was a good man and minister of the faith. I never heard him speak ill of anyone. He epitomized the goodness and love in his heart for mankind. What was special about him was he never forgot about his love for Collins and South Arkansas. We will miss him!