James Edward Bates
of Manchester, MI, age 52, died suddenly from a stroke on Sunday, May 1, 2016 in Columbus, GA. He was born October 9, 1963 in Los Angeles, California, the son of Grover Bates and Alice (Hill) Seaton. Mr. James Bates served in the Army for 21 years. During his career he served overseas in Germany and Korea. His assignments include duty with the 2d Armored Division (Forward), the Nation Training Center, the Berlin Command, the 82d Airborne Division, the 2d Infantry Division and the XVIII Airborne Corps Special Troops Battalion. Jim retired as a Master Sergeant and continued serving as a civilian until the time of his death.