JAMES J. BATES, JR.

     James J. Bates, Jr., age 90, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away on November 27, 2025, at St. Anthony’s Hospice Lucy Smith King Care Center in Henderson. He was born to the late James J. Bates Sr. and Frances White Bates on October 10, 1935.

     James (Jim) was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 63 years, Betty Bates, and his sister Frances Adair. 

     Survivors include his daughter, Merritt Bates -Thomas of Henderson, KY; his son, James J. Bates, III (Regina) of Crestwood, KY; five grandchildren, Lauren Thomas of Louisville, KY, Jillian Gainous (Jared) of Russellville, KY, Reid Thomas (Sarah) of Henderson, KY, Jordan Bates of Louisville, KY and Madison Bates of Crestwood, KY; and 4 great-grandchildren, Lilah Jo and Palmer Gainous, and Max and Margot Thomas.

     Bates lived his entire life in Henderson, something that he often stated with an immense sense of pride and was also a lifelong member of The Presbyterian Church of Henderson.  A graduate of Barret High School in Henderson, Bates’ vocations and interests ranged widely to include banking, broadcasting, and farming.  He spent 36 years from 1959 to 1995 in a rewarding career with Union Federal Savings Bank (later Citizens Bank), during which he became a Vice President and Manager of all Henderson branches. Bates viewed banking as a community service and enjoyed being an active part of the business community in his hometown.  He thrived on the relationships he built with both co-workers and customers. 

     As a sports radio personality Bates first began broadcasting high school sports in 1958 and covered local sporting events in five different decades.  After a short pause from 1975-1985, he rejoined WSON Radio and broadcast Henderson County boys and girls basketball games until 1999.  His dedication to broadcasting resulted in multiple honors, including induction into the Henderson County Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and recipient of the KHSAA Lifetime Media Achievement Award in 2010. His passion for high school basketball continued when he became the official scorekeeper for both Henderson County boys and girls basketball programs, a role he enjoyed from 1999 to 2019.  As a result, he was recognized with the Kentucky High School Athletic Directors Association Distinguished Service Award in 2017.

     Bates grew up in farming, having managed the family farm at a young age after the death of his father.  Farming remained in his blood and was something he continued in addition to his other occupations.  His passion and dedication to farming resulted in his recognition with the Lifetime Agriculture Achievement Award by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce in 2021.

     A joint Celebration of Life Service for both Jim and Betty Bates will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at The Presbyterian Church of Henderson.  Private family burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery.

     Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the church.

     In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to The Presbyterian Church of Henderson, 100 South Main Street, Henderson, KY 42420;  St Anthony’s Hospice, 2410 South Green Street, Henderson, KY 42420;  Henderson County Public Library, 101 South Main Street, Henderson, KY 42420;  Henderson Area Arts Alliance, PO Box 234, Henderson, KY 42419; or Friends of Audubon, PO Box 576, Henderson, KY 42419.

     Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.