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CORTLAND -- James H. Bates, 87, passed away Friday evening, May 22, 2026, at Hospice House in Poland.
James was born Dec. 24, 1938, in Richland, a son of the late Charles and Wanda Christine Bates.
He retired from Delphi Packard, where he was an extrusion operator.
James was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His greatest joy in life was being with his family and attending all his grandchildren's sporting events. He was also a diehard NASCAR fan.
James will be deeply missed by his children, Gail Bates, Christine Hill and her fiance, Randy Schreckengost, Jodirae (Gary) Cotterman and James (Stacy) Bates; grandchildren, Dalton (Marissa) Brown, Dylan (Vanessa) Brown, Dawson (Kaitlin) Brown, Landon Bates, Carter Bates and Chelsey Hill; great-grandchildren, Jadyn Hill, Dino and Charlie Myers, and Daisy Mae Brown; and sisters, Roberta Mescall, Linda Culler, Cheryl Simmons and Candace Kaczur.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sondra Bates, whom he married April 30, 1957; brother, Argil Bates; and sister, Kay Jaster.
Per James' wishes, there are no calling hours or services.
Arrangements were entrusted to Lane Funeral Homes Shafer-Winans Chapel in Cortland.
Memorial contributions in James' memory may be made to the Hospice House in Poland.
Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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