JJ Bates

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jeffery Niel Bates Jr. "JJ", who passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 1, 2026. He was born on December 6, 1983 in Ogden, Utah. JJ was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. Starting at an early age, he had a gift for making friends. He loved and participated in many different sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, and excelling at wrestling. He attended East Layton Jr. High, Central Davis Jr. High and graduated from Layton High School in 2002. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an example of his dedication, leadership, and service. Shortly after graduation, he joined the US Navy where he was stationed on the US Ingraham fighter ship for a year. He became a 3rd class Petty officer as well as a Navy corpsman after graduating from Hospital Corpsman school. He was stationed at Whidbey Island Washington Naval hospital. While in the Navy, he earned his associate's degree from Columbia College in 2009. He also served an overseas assignment in Quatar.

JJ was a proud American patriot whose love for good music, loyal animals, and the San Francisco 49ers filled his life with passion and joy. To quote Tom Petty, one of his favorite artists, "Well, I know what's right, I got just one life. In a world that keeps on pushin' me around. But I'll stand my ground. And I won't back down." Those words speak to the determination that carried JJ through the hardest chapters of his life. He faced not only the visible battles of this world, but the private war within himself. Patriotic and proud, he loved his country with conviction and believed deeply in standing for something greater than himself. To his family and friends, he was loyal and real, the kind of man who understood hardship and therefore offered understanding without judgement.

His life was a testament to resilience, to the dignity of trying again, and to the enduring hope that there is always something good waiting down the road.

JJ loved his family, especially his son Dominic. They were "best buds." He loved his Mom and Dad as well as his sisters, Nichole and Danyle.

JJ is survived by his children, McKaylan and Dominic; parents, Jeffery and Pamala; sisters, Nichole Dimond (Paul) and Danyle Finlayson (Brett); 5 nieces, 3 nephews, and many loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

He will be deeply and profoundly missed "Till we meet again at Jesus' feet."

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 11th from 1:30-4 for close friends and family. The service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2455 N. Valley View Dr. in Layton, Utah.

In accordance with JJ's wishes, cremation will take place, with burial to be held at a later time in the Whitney, Idaho cemetery.