James Edward Bates, 79, of Pocahontas, departed this life on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at St. Bernard Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.

James was born December 13, 1944, to the late James M. and Helen Matthews Bates in Randolph County, Arkansas.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen Bates.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Bates of the home; daughter Deborah Bates of the home and brother Dennis (Brinda) Bates of Pocahontas. Many other family and friends at Shannon Baptist Church where James served as a Deacon.

Visitation will be held 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 30, 2023, in the McNabb Funeral Home Chapel with a funeral service to begin at 2:00 p.m., with Bruce Stone officiating. A burial will follow in the Randolph Memorial Gardens.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Pat Hovis, Jeff Hamm, Carl Thomason, Lloyd Gooch, Bill Blevins and Randy Freeman.

Honorary pallbearer Richard Martin.