James Roland Bates

James Roland Bates passed away on Thursday, June 19, after a long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed by all those who love him.

Jim was born on February 20, 1949, in Stockbridge, Michigan to James and Virginia Bates. The third of six children, he happily lived the first 8 years learning and enjoying farm life, until his family moved to the town of Holly. Jim attended Holly schools, played drums in marching and concert band, graduating from Holly High School in 1996.Jim attended First Baptist Church of Holly and was saved and baptized at a young age. He and his brothers spent many summers working on their aunt and uncle’s farm, which they loved. He and his brothers participated in 4-H, where Jim showed his prize chickens at the Corunna County Fair. A huge fan of NASCAR, Jim grew up working on cars with his brothers. The car he loved to own was a 1977 Grand Prix, one he remembers, not so fondly, as the Chevy stationwagon that fell on him when the jacks collapsed. Jim’s latest acquisition is a 1969 Chrysler Imperial. When not working on cars, he and his brother Dick enjoyed running the movie projectors at Holly Theatre and the Silver Drive-In for the Sears family.After graduation, Jim worked in construction and roofing before being drafted into the Army, serving in the Infantry. He was subsequently sent to fight in the Vietnam War, and left the military after his four years.After his service, he met and married Pat, the mother of his twin daughters, Marcia Marie Martin, and Jennifer Jean Bates. He took a job with General Motors, where he worked for 32 years. Jim was a free spirit, though many women tried to clip his wings, but most failed. After retirement, he bought his dream property up north near Mancelona, where he built a life he loved -- gardening, hunting, fishing, boating, and friends.

Jim is survived by his two daughters, Marcia (Marcy) Martin, her husband David, and Jennifer (Jenny) Bates; sisters, Bonnie Wooton and Betty King, her husband Dennis. Two cherished grandchildren, Brodie Christopher and Reese Nicole Martin; many nieces and nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by parents, James and Virginia Bates; brothers, Robert Bates, Donald Bates and Richard Bates. Many thanks to his friends Guy and Jim who helped him in many ways. Jim will be remembered at a service to be held 1PM Friday, July 31, 2026 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chape, 209 E. Broad St., Linden.  Visitation will be held from 12PM until the time of service. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Linden.