James B. Cates

James Brett Cates, a devoted husband, cherished father, caring brother, and trusted friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 65 on January 25, 2026.

His deepest joy came from the unwavering love he shared with his wife, Janet, and his children - Stephanie, Taylor (Brett) Polivka, Jordan, Kiersten, Daedrek, and Brayden. His world expanded even further with the addition of his grandchildren - Ava Davis, Elijah Doom, Penelope ("Penny") Polivka, Charlie James Polivka, and Baby Polivka (due March 2026).

James was born on October 6, 1960, in Henderson, Kentucky where he lived for 30 years. His early years were shaped by humble beginnings and challenges that required strength and determination. Anchored by the love of his grandmother ("Maw"), James ("Jimmy") was deeply connected to his cousins, family, and friends. Days were filled with togetherness and he found joy in running and being outdoors. Life wasn't easy but it was beautiful.

When James and Janet met they knew it was meant to be. They were married within a year of meeting on December 28, 1985, beginning what would become a remarkable year partnership. Together, they built a beautiful family and a life grounded in devotion, adventure, and a whole lot of fun. James placed Janet at the center of his life and their marriage is the truest reflection of enduring love.

To provide for his family, James worked night shift at a steel factory and pursued his accounting degree during the day. In 1990, he traded in his steel toe work boots for wingtip shoes and most of his Levi's for suits and ties. They transplanted the family to Indiana (but he always maintained his blood was Kentucky blue) and established roots in the Center Grove area. He began his professional career at Ernst & Young in Indianapolis. It was during these years that he earned his Certified Public Accountant license and later his Certified Management Accountant credential, achievements of which he was incredibly proud.

In 1994, James joined Eli Lilly and Company, where he would spend the next 30 years and the remainder of his career. He loved working for a company that made things better for people in need. Over those three decades, he contributed across a range of financial and business roles and became a well regarded leader. What stood out most, however, was the impact he had on others. He was a mentor to many, a role model, and deeply respected by colleagues across the globe.

When stepping back from work, he shared the following words to colleagues that captured both his spirit and his gratitude: "... Over the years, I have mentored many co-workers and the one thing I said to each of them – love what you do. When you love what you do at work, it no longer becomes a job but becomes something that drives you to be the best you can be. I am fortunate that I have been able to love each day…"

James had always been incredibly fit and active, completing multiple mini-marathons and bicycle commuting to Eli Lilly 100 days in a year. However, in 2016 James began to notice issues with cognition and movement and the subtle changes began to impact his daily life. James worked relentlessly to slow the physical decline with Rock Steady boxing, weightlifting, drug trials, and therapy. Unfortunately, he began to battle a disease that impacts more than a million Americans: Lewy Body Dementia.

Lewy Body is a neurodegenerative disease that impacts reasoning, problem-solving, mental flexibility and coordination of movement which is distinct from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. James looked fine, continued building memories and recognized family and friends; however, the decline in cognitive processing affected his brilliant mind. His usual areas of professional expertise down to simple tasks like calculating a tip became impossible. One of his hardest moments was reaching the point where he could no longer help the boys with elementary-level math homework. With Lewy Body, there is no cure and nothing proven to slow its progression, leading to an unpredictable future.

Unsurprisingly, James decided his best course was to continue living life to the fullest and experience the world while checking things off his bucket list. He created lasting memories with friends and family, toured Europe with the kids, saw U2 at The Sphere in Las Vegas, cheered on Kentucky while they beat Duke in basketball, and even convinced Janet to whitewater raft the Grand Canyon. He found happiness in life's simple pleasures… listening to music, dancing, strawberry milkshakes, watching sports, trying new bourbons, and sunsets. He never gave up on life and continued to find gratitude each day.

James was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon Brack; father, Doris Cates; and brothers - Jon Patrick Cates, Gilbert Doss, and David Cates. James is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings - Erik Doss, Charla Ellis, Wes Brack, Leslie Cates, and Michael Cates.

Open visitation will be held on Friday, February 6th from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 7th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home, 1605 S State Rd 135, Greenwood, IN 46143. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, February 7th at 11:30 a.m., also at G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home.

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In honor of James, memorial gifts may be made to:

Southside United for Indianapolis Trails a fund to advocate, raise funds, and provide community-based support for the future trails and pedestrian infrastructure on the southside of Indianapolis.

Rock Steady Boxing. Please visit https://rocksteadyboxing.org/support-us/ or you can mail a check to 6847 Hillsdale Ct. Indianapolis, IN 46250.