James Gates

James Gates, 76, of Plainville, a devoted family man, firefighter, and hockey enthusiast, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025. He was the husband of Gail (Godard) Gates with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. Born on May 4, 1949, son of the late Robert and Doris (DonBrosky) Gates, Jim attended St. Bernard High School before graduating from New London High School. From the young age of 10, Jim was drawn to the fire service, helping at the Niantic Fire Department alongside his father. This early exposure sparked a lifelong calling. In the early 1970s, Jim became a career firefighter for the City of Hartford, a role in which he served with distinction, retired as Captain after over 20 years of dedicated service. His commitment, leadership, and bravery left a lasting mark on the department and his fellow firefighters. Jim had an encyclopedic knowledge of the game of hockey. A talented player himself, he passed on his love of the sport to his sons and grandsons, all of who became successful players in their own right. Whether behind the bench as a coach or in the stands, he traveled far and wide to support them, never missing an opportunity to be part of their hockey journeys. Beyond the firehouse and the rink, Jim was a lifelong motorcyclist. He and Gail shared countless miles and memories on their Harley, exploring the country together with the wind at their backs and the open road ahead. In retirement, Jim found joy and creativity in woodworking, transforming old hockey sticks and reclaimed pallets into beautiful, functional pieces of furniture and art. His one-of-a-kind creations now live on in the homes of family and friends, tangible reminders of his care and talents. Jim lived a life fueled by passion, purpose, adventure and deep love for his family and the communities he served. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, craftsmanship, and commitment, and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his wife, Gail, he leaves his sons, R.J. Gates and his wife, Melissa and twins, Daniel Gates and Richard Gates and his wife Leah; and he was the proud Grampa to Easton, Cooper, Paiyton, Hunter, Nola and Nashlyn. He also leaves his sisters, Nancy Moran and Patricia Gates; his nieces and nephews, Eric Baker, Kelly Delgado and Sean Moran and their families. He was predeceased by his sister, Maureen Baker, his niece Victoria Baker Luich, and his grandson Nolan Gates. In lieu of flowers, Jim may be remembered with contributions to the Niantic Fire Department, 8 Grand St, Niantic, CT 06357. A celebration of Jim's life will be held privately at a later date. The staff at Plainville Funeral Home extends their gratitude to the Gates family for their trust. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit http://www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Gates, please visit our floral store.