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James H. Tate Jr.

James Tate Obituary

TATE, Jr., James H. James H. Tate, Jr., 93, died June 16, 2014. Jim Tate was born in Rome, GA on January 29, 1921, the son of Mr. & Mrs. James H. Tate, Sr. Educated in the local public schools, his childhood home was the Rome Mill Village where his father was Fire Chief. Tate said his childhood was "the best any kid could have." He entered the University of Georgia in September 1937, at the age of 16. Upon graduating in May 1942, five months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Tate later said he received his diploma in one hand and his ROTC commission and active duty orders in the other. In September 1942, he married the love of his life, Miss Ellen Fayette Routledge of Rome, GA. A brief honeymoon in Atlanta began a marriage that would last more than 72 years. After additional training in Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, and Norfolk, the division moved overseas to Great Britain. Tate's division was not part of pre D-Day landing, but later for the buildup of forces and breakout from Normandy. Tate was wounded during the breakout operation and hospitalized in England. He was later assigned to duty in London and returned to the U.S. for discharge in October 1945. Tate stayed in the Army Reserve (retiring as Lieutenant Colonel in 1962) and saw service in the Korean action July 1950-September 1951. During this period, he served as 8th Army press briefing officer and as Public Information Officer of the Korean Military Armistice Conference. In 1955 the family settled in Atlanta and Tate was employed by Atlanta Gas Light Company, then the largest gas utility in the southeastern U.S., as Director of Public Relations. After 30 years, he retired in 1986 as Vice President of Corporate Communications, a department that included relations and services to press, customers, employees, and the public, as well as special events and advertising. In Atlanta, Tate was active for many years in church and PTA work, along with participation in civic, charitable, and professional organizations. He was the first president of the UGA Journalism School Alumni Association and served as president of the Georgia chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. For two decades he served on the advertising and public relations committees of the nationwide American Gas Association. In 2004, the Tates moved to the Charleston area to be closer to family, Dayna and Dick Elliott. In 2010, Tate was inducted into the University of Georgia's College of Journalism Grady Fellowship which honors UGA J-School graduates whose "lives and careers cast light on the work done in their field through their influence, achievements and service to the media professions". His personal interests included travel with his wife (especially to England), reading (especially history), and photography. His writings include a history of Atlanta Gas Light Company entitled "Keeper of the Flame", a two volume personal memoir, a family history, and articles appearing in the Atlanta Journal Sunday magazine, Army Information Digest, and The New Yorker magazine. During his research of his family history, Tate was especially gratified to trace his male line to James Tate of England, who landed in America in 1635, as a lad of 17. Most importantly, Jim Tate was known as man of character who modeled this attribute to all who had the pleasure to know him. He is remembered for the love and mentorship he provided to his family (DTRT), as well as to a wide range of business associates and friends. He loved hearing a good story and was always ready to tell one. In addition to his wife, Ellen, Jim Tate is survived by their three children: Dayna Tate Elliott (Dick) of Charleston, SC; Stephen R. Tate (Jeanne) of Fairhope, AL; and James H. Tate, III (Christy) of Weaverville, NC. He and Ellen also have seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a host of beloved nieces and nephews and their families. A family service will be held in Rome, GA, at a later date. Memorials may be made to Volunteer Services, Charleston Veterans Administration Hospital, 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC, 29403. Please note "Jim Tate" on the memo line. Arrangements by PALMETTO CREMATION SOCIETY, 11 Cunnington Ave., Charleston, SC 29405, (843) 722-2555. Online condolences may be left at palmettocremationsociety.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jun. 19, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Verlene Cobb

June 12, 2021

Although it´s been many years since Jim left us I often realize he is still with me. Just yesterday I shared with my husband one of the lessons I learned from Jim. We truly live on through our interactions with others.

July 2, 2014

So sorry to hear of Jim`s death. We worked together at AGL for a long time. Our condolances to the family.
Charlie & Peggie Seymour

Ron David

June 28, 2014

I just found out from a friend in Rome, Georgia About Jim's death. WOW! What a history and life he had. I worked with Jim at Atlanta Gas Light Company for 10 years and as retired military we never talked much about our military experiences. I am so impressed with his military background and other accomplishments during his life time. He was one of the best bosses I ever worked for and will really be missed. "God Bless him and all of his family and love-ones."

June 25, 2014

I just found out about "Mr. Tate" as that is what I called him when I worked for him for 10 years. He was my first boss at AGL and I cannot thank him enough for hiring me and giving me a chance to work for him. I always thought of him as my "second dad" and I am so glad he and Mrs. Tate had the chance meet my parents when they came to Atlanta as they were always worried about how I was doing. After they met the Tate's their worries were over - I will always remember Mr. Tate and thank him for all he did for me.My condolonence to all of the family C. Hartley

Cindy Kirby

June 24, 2014

I just found out today when I went to work at East Cooper. My heart is heavy. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, now and always! xo Cindy ps...I still talk about the moment that his darling wife came to see him at the hospital, just last week I believe, and as she left, she asked her assistant to help her out of her wheelchair so that she might kiss her beloved good bye. Those two were like high school sweethearts all over again. Mr. Tate will be missed.

Jim was truly the "Keeper of the Flame."

Verlene Cobb

June 23, 2014

Jim was such a wonderful mentor and teacher. Even now I'm often reminded of lessons learned during our years together at AGL. May God bless you all in a special way during this time of loss.

June 21, 2014

I am sorry for the loss. Through his obituary I noticed he had many accomplishments in his life, and he lived to be 93, which is amazing. May the family take comfort in the wonderful hope that God's word holds out for Mr. Tate (John 5:28).

Harry Saunders

June 20, 2014

I worked with Jim at Atlanta Gas Light Company and he was one of the Greatest Gentlemen. God bless his family.

Terry Redman

June 20, 2014

Jim Tate hired me at Atlanta Gas Light Company in 1985. He was a tough boss with a huge heart. He will be missed.

Ray Kessler

June 19, 2014

Lois and I are sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do let us know.

Bruce Robinson

June 19, 2014

Dayna,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. Gather strength from all of the great memories and from all of your many friends.
Love,
Vicki and Bruce

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