James Wallace Cates

The Earthly journey for James Wallace Cates age 85 came to an end on December 22, 2020. James was born January 18, 1935 in Swepsonville, North Carolina. James is preceded in death by his parents Albert & Emma Cates, daughter, Cindy Williams and two grandchildren Amanda Clements and Matthew Clements.
He was the first born of his parents Albert & Emma Phillips Cates. He spent his childhood years in Swepsonville until he joined the U.S Army and traveled the world over. He retired from the U.S Army on June 30, 1987 with 30 years of service, attaining the rank of Sergeant Major. He loved the military life! After his last tour of duty at Fort Lee VA, he retired in Hopewell where he lived for 40 years. He was a member of the Hopewell Moose Lodge, and became the Lodges’ Administrator for 13 years, attaining the highest degree that of a Pilgrim of the Order. He retires from the lodge on July 1, 2000. He marries Reva Halling Clark on November 20, 1970 in Las Vegas, NV. They just recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. He will be greatly missed by his wife and family of 5 children. His children and their spouses include; Gregory Clark (Frankie Rodriguez) of Stockton, CA, Barry Cates (Sheryl) of Havelock, NC, Lisa Ford of Hampstead, NC, Nikki Clements (Randy) pf Soulsbyville, CA, and Kevin Cates (Lori) of Chester, VA. James was a Grandfather to 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister Mary Johnson from Graham, NC. A Funeral Service will be held on at 11:00 am on Saturday December 26, 2020 at J.T.Morriss & Son Funeral Home 820 Broadway Hopewell, VA 23860. The service will be livestreamed. The family requests that if you do attends the service that you please wear a mask. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project @ woundedwarriorproject.org. Condolences can be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .