James Robert Bates Jr.

James Robert Bates Jr., 74, of Connersville, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born June 22, 1941, in Connersville, Indiana, he was the son of the late James Robert Bates Sr. and Betty Jane Roberts Bates. After graduating from Connersville High School in 1959, he attended Ball State University. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was a thirty-two year member of B.P.O. Elks #379 of Connersville. Jim worked at a manufacturing company in Cambridge City, Indiana, for forty years, before retiring in June of 2003. Before failing health, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and working in his yard. On September 16, 1972, he married the former, Penny Sue Ford of Rushville. In addition to his wife, Penny, Jim is survived by his daughter: Belinda Leavitt and her husband, Bryan of Harbor Springs, Michigan. Also, surviving is a dear aunt: Roberta Welsh of Connersville, her daughter: Deborah Loughrey and her husband, Joe and Blair Boehmer, all of Indianapolis. A sister: Cynthia Dore, of Michigan, also survives. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville with Don Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday where memorial contributions may be made to the Bentonville Fire Department.