James Kenneth Bates Jr.

Family will be receiving guests for the viewing of Mr. James Bates Jr. on Friday, Nov. 28th, 2025, from 3pm-5pm.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 29th, 2025, 12noon at Harriett G Darnell Sr Facility, 677 Fairburn Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30331

OBITUARY FOR JAMES BATES

James Kenneth Bates, Jr., was born on October 21, 1984, in Atlanta, Georgia, to James Kenneth Bates, Sr., and the late Deborah Jackson Sanders. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, James gracefully departed this life, leaving behind a legacy built on love, loyalty, and dedication to his family and community.

From a young age, James discovered his passion for football. What began as a childhood love grew into a lifelong commitment. He played sports with heart and spirit and later poured that same passion into coaching. James proudly coached the PTD 6U Knuckleheads and later the William Walker 9U football team, mentoring countless young athletes and leaving a lasting impact on everyone he trained.

Those who knew James knew his joyful spirit and simple pleasures. One of his favorite pastimes was traveling with his loving wife, often saying, "He wants to cover all points North, South, East, and West." He loved video games and built friendships with people from all over the world-headset on, the right music blasting, stretched out in his favorite black lounge chair until bedtime. If he wasn't gaming, he could be found every Sunday cheering on his beloved Atlanta Falcons. To James, "Falcon Nation" wasn't just a team-it was home.

A true Zone 4 native and "Ben Hill's finest," James was educated in Atlanta Public Schools. He attended Fickett Elementary, Bunche Middle School, and graduated from Therrell High School. He later earned his degree in carpentry from Atlanta Technical College. Throughout his adult life, James worked in the logistics and warehouse industry, with his final employer being Elevated Solutions.

James married Bennetta Hann-Bates, and together they built a blended, loving family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Deborah Jackson Sanders, his grandmother, Victoria Travis Jackson, his grandfather, James Frank Jackson, and his uncle, Ricky Lamar Jackson.

James leaves to cherish his memory:

* His beloved wife, Bennetta Hann-Bates.

* His beloved children: four sons - Brandon Hann, Zaron Bates, Zyvion Bates, and Korri Hann, and three daughters - Aulani Hann, Jalisa Copeland, and Jaida Bates.

* His father, James Kenneth Bates, Sr..

* His siblings: two brothers, Jamir Denson Sr. (Crystal) and Marcellus Jackson, and one sister, Aiyannah Sanders (Jessica).

* Mother-in-love Annette Osae and brother-in-law, Benjamin Hann.

* His uncle, Michael Wayne Jackson, and three aunts: Kenya Baqi, Audraine Jackson, and Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman.

* And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, coaches, players, and community members who loved him deeply.

James will forever be remembered for his big heart, booming laugh, devotion to his children, and the way he cared for everyone around him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the young athletes he inspired, and the family he loved with everything he had.

May his spirit rest in peace, and may his memory continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him.