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BORN
1940
DIED
2024
James Gates Obituary
September 18, 1940 - August 29, 2024
Columbus, Georgia - James Edwin Gates was born in Columbus on Sept. 18, 1940 to Charles Edwin and Molly Scales Gates. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1958 and received an Associate Degree of Building Technology at Southern Institute of Technology. He joined Williams Construction Company from 1962 until he became president of the company after his father's death. Later he was a senior vice president at Flournoy Construction Co.
Jim was a member of the Rotary Club of Columbus, the President of Goodwill Industries of Columbus, on the National Board of Goodwill for six years, President of Junior Achievement, and a past President of the Big Eddy Club. He served as newsletter editor of the Georgia Chess Association and ADBUS, the original Atlanta Database Users Society.
He was a collector in many areas including photography and cameras; 13,500 books referencing Chess, and a large assortment of specialty Randall Knives. Jim and his friend, Bill Edwards, were early users of drone photography in 2011. Their panoramas and little planets have become historic records that can now be found at the Archives at Columbus State University and at The Columbus Museum.
In 1981, he married Sally Quillian Gates, and they have enjoyed living at Spring Harbor Retirement Community since 2006. Other family members who survive him in addition to his wife are his brother, Thomas Stuart Gates (Wynema) of Bainbridge, GA; Tom's daughter, Stacey Preston Gates (Denver); Tom's stepson, Christian Edward Calle, Chris's wife Monica Patricia Colmenares (Columbus) and their daughter, Mariana Carolina Calle (Denver); sister-in-law Paula Berry (the late Joseph Scales Gates), their daughter Dr. Helen Gates Jenne Hyslop, her husband Dr. Robert Hyslop, and their son, Gates Oliver Hyslop, all of Atlanta.
Jim was a member of St. Luke Church. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Gates
Sponsored by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.
Gail Flournoy
February 14, 2025
Jimmy and I were kids together because his father and my grandmother Vivian Gates Horne were brother and sister. We would go to the Bradley Theatre on Saturday and enjoy the tiny top shop talent scout. All of us cousins had a great time together. Everybody always said I look so much like Jimmy in the fifth grade. He was a very special person to me. A few months before he died, he wanted me to come out to visit him and his wife, but I was too busy and I regret so much that I never did. I love my sweet cousin Gayle Flournoy.
Jo Sawtelle
September 28, 2024
I am sorry to learn of this. My condolences to Sally and family. Jo Claridy Sawtelle.
Kimberly Bowles
September 18, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was always such a gentleman and honest. My prayers go out to his family.
Jean Harron
September 12, 2024
Sally my deepest condolences to you and other family members for the loss of your very talented and most likable person. Know you are in my prayers.
Gayle Flournoy
September 8, 2024
Rest in peace, dear cousin. I have fond memories of all of us children going to the movies on Saturday.
Kathryn Quillian McCamy
September 4, 2024
Am so sorry to hear about Jim´s passing. He was probably the most interesting person I´ve ever met. The collections mentioned in the obituary is indeed extensive and his passion around them unbridled. I enjoyed listening to him share storied facts about so many different things. All my love to his sweet family- prayers lifted for strength and comfort.
Robert W. Vaughn
September 4, 2024
Sincerest condolences to Jim's friends and family. He was a great man and dear neighbor who enchanted me and my family with his library of rare chess books and vast knowledge of many things. I recall he helping my late dad, Glenn Vaughn, with getting his first computer and Internet set up about 1980. Fondly recall our family's glee getting our very first email and it was from Jim. Peace and comfort to all who knew Jim Gates.
Hoyt Raymond
September 1, 2024
One of my dearest long time friends!
May he rest in peace!
Tom Waites
August 30, 2024
Sorry for your loss.
Joe Barnes great friend !!!
August 30, 2024
Joe &Tammy Barnes
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