->Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at age 81. Born in Syracuse, he was predeceased by his parents, Leon and Maude (Strauss) Bates. Survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary (Jweid) Bates; his children, Sharon (Paul), Lynda (Terry) Stinson, James, David, Kathy (Tim) Thomas; grandchildren, Erica, Krista (James), Justin, Jessica, Daniel, Benjamin and Jonathan; brother, Gerald; sisters, Patricia (Mike) Lorento, Mary (Ed) McDermott and Elizabeth; many nieces and nephews.James served as a staff sargeant in the U.S. Air Force, was a career engineer and a civilian pilot. He loved music and dance and had many interests, including horseback riding, motorcycles and amateur radio (WA2ZKI).Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9, 11 am at St. John the Evangelist Church, 553 Humboldt St, Rochester. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Visiting Nurse Hospice Service of Rochester and Monroe County, Inc.