Col. James D. Bates, U.S. Army, Ret., 83, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2011 in Pueblo.

He was born May 24, 1928 in Princeton to Louis and Helen Bates.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Louis Bates, Jr., and a nephew, James Robert Judd.

He is survived by Jeanne, his beloved wife of 61 years; children, Raymond L. (Penny) and Kenneth J. (Margaret) Bates; two sisters, Helen Cummings and Maxine Smith, both of Houston, Texas; and six grandchildren.

Col. Bates graduated from Riverside Academy, Gainesville, Georgia, the University of Denver, and received his MBA degree from the University of Alabama. Col. Bates spent more than 31 years in the US Army. His assignments included Korea, Viet Nam, Germany, France, the Philippine Islands and many locations in the United States, culminating his career as the Commander of the Pueblo Army Depot. He retired from the Army in 1978. He received many commendations and decorations, to include the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster. After retirement he spent 11 years with the Pueblo County government as Director of Personnel and Administration of the Pueblo County Retirement Plan. He served on many boards and commissions, to include the Pueblo Development Commission; the Pueblo County Capital Construction Corporation; County Retirement Board; PDA Reuse Commission; PDA Development Authority; and the Southern Colorado Economic Development District. He also served on the boards of the Pueblo Symphony Association; The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce; United Way of Pueblo; and the Rosemount Museum. Col. Bates was past president and very active member of Pueblo Rotary Club No. 43 and Pueblo Chapter, Military officers Association of America.

A memorial service, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2011, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel in Pueblo, Colorado, concluding with military honors. Interment will be at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

Jim's wish was to be remembered for his love of his family, country and friends, and his desire to help others.