James A. Gates
March 28, 1944 - September 19, 2014
Obituary
Gates, James “Jim”
MADISON - Jim Gates, age 70, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2014 at his home in Madison. Jim was born on March 28, 1944 in Dubuque, Iowa and grew up in Lancaster, where he graduated from Lancaster High School. Jim was united in marriage to Joan (Ellis) Gates on April 4, 1965 and they just celebrated their 49th anniversary. He worked for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Physical Plant as a maintenance painter for 28 years before retiring in 2011. He was an active member of the Painters and Drywall Finishers Local Union No. 802 for 45 years, including 30 years as a member of the union board. For many years Jim and his wife enjoyed square dancing and Jim eventually became a square dance caller, calling many dances for local clubs. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, birding, playing Cribbage, photography, following Nascar and spending time with family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife, Joan Gates; his children, Julie Ann (John Sorenson) Gates and Joanel (Michael) White; his grandchildren, Nicole and Brandon White; and his sister Mary Ettelson. He was preceded in death by his parents Sydney and Alma (Gartwaite) Gates, his brothers Walter Gates and John Gates and his sisters, Ruth Zenz and Emma Hampton. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11a.m., on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608)221-5420
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K
Ken
Other •
Dear Family and friends of "Jim" Gates, sorry to hear about his passing, in times like these I find comfort in this scripture from the Bible: "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out......John 5:28, 29
NN
Nancy Lee Nelson
Other •
Dear Family of Jim Gates,
I was a high school classmate of Jim Gates. I am so sorry to learn of his death and your loss of him. He was a special person. I wish I had words to ease your grief. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With kind regards,
Nancy Lee Nelson
St. Paul, MN
MM
mike murray
Other •
Jim was one of the good guys in high school! The athletic department could not have functioned without Jim. Mike Murray
LT
Lois Triemstra
Other •
I am sorry for your loss. Actually we all lost a good friend. I worked in the building with Jim "Mr. Painter Man" at the Educational Sciences building. I so totally enjoyed his sense of humor and our small talk in the "dock" of the building. He was looking forward to retirement - I just wish he would have had more time to enjoy his family time. He was a special man as will be missed...
SB
Steve Bruns
Other •
What a great guy!! I saw Jim frequently while he was painting in the UW building I worked at, we would often play cribbage at lunch... I don't really remember who was the winner, guess we both were because we enjoyed it so much. I enjoyed talking to Jim about everything! He was an interesting man and will forever be missed.
FZ
Fred Zenz
Other •
Jim I hardly got to know you even tho you aremy Uncle. Wish we could have known each other better.