James Edward Bates

James "Jim" Edward Bates, 78, of Rockville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025. He was born on April 8, 1947, to Norbert and Elizabeth "Betty" Bates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The family later relocated to Ohio, living in Steubenville until Jim was about nine or ten years old, and later settling in Mayfield Heights, where he spent the remainder of his childhood.

Jim attended Bowling Green State University on a debate scholarship, where he met the love of his life, Carol Stump. While in college, he was a proud member of the Alpha Phi Omega Zeta Kappa Chapter. Upon graduating, Jim and Carol built a life together in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., sharing 56 years of marriage and 58 years of love-years filled with devotion, partnership, and family.

Jim dedicated his professional life to public service, with forty-seven years of continuous service at the Central Intelligence Agency. His career reflected his deep commitment to his country and the values of integrity and perseverance.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Bates; his three daughters, Michelle Manning, Kristen Bates (John Sznajkart, Jr.), and Nicole Bates-Hucker (Dan Hucker); his cherished grandchildren, Tyler Bates, Ryan Bates, Nikolas Manning, and Evelyn Hucker; one "adopted Marine," Elijah "Bates"; and one great-grandchild, Elijah Bates. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Greenburg (Alan); nephews Michael Vanone and Steve Vanone; and his niece, Tanya Harrington, whom he proudly mentored at the start of her government career. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Elizabeth "Betty" Bates, and by his sons-in-law Robert "Bob" Manning and William "Bill" Bates.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim was a devoted husband and father. He served as a track coach and was a Girl Scout leader and volunteer-spending summers helping at Brighton Woods Summer Day Camp, operating Girl Scout Cookie Depots, and serving as a Service Unit Chair. He especially enjoyed photography and sharing his love of history with his daughters. Family trips to museums, battleships, forts, and historic landmarks created treasured memories and instilled in his children an appreciation for the past.

Jim will be remembered most for his unwavering love for his family, his generosity, and his enduring guidance. He was also a gifted storyteller, creating countless memories for those whose lives he touched-whether through family, scouting, or his work.

He will be cremated, with a Celebration of Life and Remembrance Service to be scheduled at a later date, followed by interment at Parklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Toys for Tots, the Marine Corps Foundation, the United Service Organizations (USO) or Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital (GSCNC).

Jim will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.