James Odell Gates
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Sep 10th, 2014
- Death Date: Sep 10, 2014
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Biography: James Odell Gates, 71, of Little Rock, AR passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Born August 8, 1943 in Humnoke, Arkansas, Jim was one of four children born to the late Isaac Newton and Gladys Mary Gates. He was a graduate of Little Rock Central High School in 1962, joined the United States Air Force in 1963 and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1973. While in the Air Force stationed at Pease Air Force base, Portsmouth, New Hampshire he met the love of his life, Joan Folger. She followed him to Little Rock, Arkansas where they raised their two children. Jim enjoyed his time in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic working on the B52 bombers and KC135 jet tankers. While attending college, he was trained and worked as a Sears Service Technician. Once he received his degree, he held various accounting positions: cost accountant at Franklin Electric, Inc, corporate accounting manager at Orbit Valve Company, CFO and Treasurer at High Voltage Engineering, CFO & Treasurer at PDC, Inc. He was an instructor at Capital City Business College, and was also a member of the Institute of Management Accountants. He was the PTA president of Good Counsel School, and the treasurer of the Colony West Board. He was the owner of Optical Internet Services, Inc. and NaturalVue, Inc. Once retired, Jim along with his wife Joan became involved in a children?s non-profit hospice, Kaleidoscope of Caring, Inc. Within their seven year tenure they formed a grief center to support grieving children and their families. This comprised of annual grief camps known as ?Camp Healing Hearts?, Peer Support Bereavement programs, Supportive Care programs and the Kaleidoscope thrift store formally known as ?Angels in the Attic?. Kaleidoscope was a major joy for Jim to be a part of helping so many families and children during their time of grief. Unfortunately the past 4 years took him away from his passion of Kaleidoscope when he was first diagnosed in 2010 with lymphoma and after two years of aggressive chemotherapy was cured with a stem cell transplant in 2012. Cancer ?knocked on his door? once again in October, 2013 with a diagnosis of leukemia. His unwavering strength and determination to fight and overcome his cancer led him to another stem cell transplant where he found his brother, John as the perfect match. Unfortunately, he lost the battle before he was able to receive the transplant. Jim will be known forever by his family and friends as one who had many talents, was known at MD Anderson as ?Charles Atlas?, and known by all as a man with a huge heart always giving of his time. Jim is predeceased by his parents and sister, Martha Stobaugh. He is survived by his wife, Joan Gates, daughter, Kimberly Gates Griffin and husband, David D. Griffin, son, James Anton (Tony) Gates and wife, Dawn M. Gates, brother, John N. Gates of Georgetown, CA and wife, Pat Gates, brother, Melvin Gates and wife, Linda Gates of Little Rock, AR. He was proudly called ?Poopa? by his 4 wonderful grandchildren-Christopher D. Griffin, Connor M. Griffin, Emmarie C. Gates, and Spencer J. Gates. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham St, Little Rock, AR on Thursday, September 18, 2014. Visitation is from 2:00- 3:00 pm with the funeral service following. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Apraxia Kids of Arkansas in honor of his much adored and spirited grandson-Spencer Gates (https://www.facebook.com/ApraxiaKidsOfArkansas) and Kaleidoscope Grief Center (http://www.methodistfamily.org/services/outpatient-treatment-programs/kaleidoscope-grief-center/).
I was so sorry to read about jim. Y'all were such good neighbors and friends back on Fillmore. Jim was a sincerely nice person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.
Pam
Nancy (and Jennifer) Mahler
I am so sorry to hear that Mr. Gates lost his battle with cancer. I'm thinking and praying for all of you during this time. I have many fond memories of him back in those Good Counsel school days. I am truly sorry for you loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was always a man with a heart in the right place. The work you all did with Kaleidoscope Kids has been such a help to so many.
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Kenniann
We had so much fun together at Kaleidoscope. We laughed. It was a time that I looked forward to every month!
Jim was so smart! In the times we talked about investments, I learned a lot. You two were so cute together. I never will forget the story you told about when you two first met and you seeing him water skiing. Such a great memory.
Fondly, Jan
Bill