Jim Cates
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On May 28, 2020 @ 5:05 pm In 2020,Obituaries | 25 Comments
James Cates, age 85, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away peacefully, at his home, on Thursday morning, May 28, 2020.
A drive through visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 2 at 11 am, at St Michael Catholic Church, in Prior Lake. Public is encouraged to watch the live streamed mass by visiting stmichael-pl.org and clicking on the Live Streaming tab. Fr. Tom Walker will preside. Jim will be laid to rest at a private burial at St. Michael Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Prior Lake V.F.W. Honor Guard. Pall bearers for Jim will be Jim Cates, Chantz Cates, John Cates, Robert Cates, Mike Simon and Joel Klingberg. Honorary bearers will be David Caravalho, Ed Muelken, Mac McPherson, Duke Schrader, Tom Lannon and Howie Monnens.
On the small family farm in Prior Lake, James Maurice was born on July 12, 1934, to Earl James and Catherine (Simpkins) Cates. The sixth of seven children, he had those daily farm chores to complete, but Jim often found himself in mischief! He attended grade school in Prior Lake and since there was no local high school, Jim furthered his high school education in Shakopee. Here, he played football and was the co-captain of team. An excellent player, Jim was named the WCCO Half Back of the year, nicknamed “Hula Hips Cates” for his ability to evade opposing players to gain yardage. He graduated from Shakopee High School in 1952.
Jim proudly enlisted into the United States Army. From November 15, 1952 to August 16, 1954, he defended his country on the front lines in the Korean War. Jim was the recipient of several awards, such as Bronze Star and Good Conduct Metal (He must have behaved in the service!) This dedication and commitment to his country was expressed throughout his life. Jim was a lifelong active member of the Prior Lake V.F.W. He served in many capacities. Jim was instrumental in getting the first real bar installed, where he worked both sides of the bars for decades. He also completed maintenance tasks, served as the Commander, a member of the Honor Guard, and giving of his time and talent in the clubs weekly and yearly activities. The Memorial Day celebration always held a special place in Jim’s heart. He initiated the startup of the “Vet’s in the Classroom” in Prior Lake. He spoke to over 12,000 students in the classroom for 20 plus years.
After returning from the service, Jim worked for the family construction business. In the mid 1960’s, he continued serving his country and community as a United States Letter Carrier. Jim’s career spanned over 30 years, retiring in 1990’s He also served on the National Rural Letter Carriers Union. Jim was not one to sit idle. He started Cates Clock Repair. Over many decades, Jim built and repaired thousands of clocks, of all types. It was entertainment in his life, yet Jim built a successful and unique business.
Jim married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Arnold, on December 29, 1956, at the Church of St Mary, in Shakopee, MN. Settling down just over the hill from where he was born, they raised five sons, Mark, Scott, David, Lance and Cory. The family spent summers camping around Minnesota, with many adventures out west and even to Florida. Life became complete for Jim as he became a grandpa. The grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren brought him great pleasure. Jim remained active in their lives and enjoyed teaching them life lessons.
The legacy of Jim now will live on in the hearts of his wife of 63 years, Pat; sons, Mark (Cathie) Cates, Scott (Mary Hennes) Cates, David (Tonda) Cates, Lance (Marci) Cates; grandchildren, Sheila (Tim), Tina (Scott), Monica (Kevin), Marsha (Phil), Elizabeth (Ben), Catherine (Randy), Jim, David (Jackie), Jess (Bea), Tasha (Garrett), Chantz (Cashlee), Trisha, Robert, Macayla (Tristen); 16 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; siblings, Kathe (Duke) Schrader, Bill Cates, Larry (Betty) Cates; other family and friends
Jim was given a hero’s welcome home from fellow serviceman and by his beloved son, Cory Cates; parents, Earl and Catherine; siblings, Pete (Bud) Ryan, Rosie (Spike) Muelken, Jack (Arlene) Cates and sister-in-law, Donna Cates
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Cates family.
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Mark and Mary Simon here, I will always cherish to times when we stopped over for a visit. Jim had a great sense of humor and I will alway remember his views on life. Thank you, Jim.
Pat and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Jim was a ver knowledgeable and interesting person to listen to about the history of Prior Lake. He will be greatly missed.
I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s death
He is going to be truly missed by his family and friends
I remember mike telling me that Jim was the first person to welcome him when he came into the VFW for the first time , he never forgot that I will be keep your family in my prayers
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you Pat and family for your loss of Jim. An outstanding person, he was.
Jim was a great person who always stepped up when something was needed and always with a smile on his face. He will be remembered fondly.
Dear Pat & family to our Friday nite diner friends at VFW
We thank you all for your long time friendships ,from watching our families grow
up enjoying them as adults.
Thank you for all Jim did to keep our VFW an enjoyable place.
With all our LOVE
great person, volunteered beyond for all.. will be missed..Shalom
Our condolences Pat and family. It was so much fun serving with Jim on the VFW Honor Guard. He was a valuable leader and his stories about the old days in Prior Lake will greatly missed. He was always so happy you had to be happy too. We will miss you Jim!
Pat, my dearest friend, you and your family are in our prayers. Jim was and still is such a great guy
Pat and family,
Jim was such a positive man. I last talked to him at the Art Festival last summer. I met his long lost cousin who I met down in Welch. He wanted to reconnect with his shirt tail relatives up in Prior Lake. I showed Jim his picture and gave him his phone number. Jim knew him and wanted to give him a call. May your memories of him bring you joy. Losing a close family member is very difficult. My prayers are with all of you.
Pat and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a kind, gentle man. What a wonderful family you have built together. Our prayers are with all of you. Maggie and Terry Arko
Dear Pat, Mark, Scott, David, Lance and families, deepest sympathy for your loss. Your Dad/husband was a gentle soul! Many great memories living next door. We had a great neighborhood to grow up in. Many prayers sending your way. Sincerely, Pauline ( Zweber ) Lentner
Pat and family, so sad to hear of Jims passing. Jim was one of the kindest and gentlest gentleman I have had the privilege to know. Jim will be deeply missed.
Pat and family, my Prayers and thoughts are with you during this sad time. May Jim enjoy eternal happiness in heaven. Thank you, Jim, for your service to our country.
Dear Pat and family, my Prayers and thoughts are with you during this sad time. Praying that Jim will enjoy eternal happiness in heaven. Thank you, Jim, for serving our country.
Dear aunt Pat and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Jim’s passing and our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. He was such a fun guy and will be missed by many.
Uncle Jim was a great storyteller a man devoted to family, his community and his country. He also was a caring uncle, and the one I remember most when my dad, his brother Jack died unexpectedly. He took care of so many things for us while he grieved. He told me a few years ago that I was his favorite (I’m sure there are a legion of favorotes). Love to you uncle Jim – you are my favorite too.
Dear Aunt Pat and Family
Love and prayers to all of you from Jim’s brother Bill, daughter Kitty, and spouse Jock. We are thinking of you and know Jim was blessed to be surrounded by loving family on his last days. Bill hasn’t been well or he would have wanted to be there with you. Bill received sacrament of the sick this afternoon and we expect in the next few days he will be re-uniting with his brothers Jack and Jim, sisters Rosie and Pete, and parents Kit and Earl. A hug from us to all of you.
Bill, Kitty, and Jock
I am sorry for your loss! I did not know your dad but he sounds like a really neat guy. May be Rest In Peace.
Pat and family – condolences to you all – Jim will be missed by so many – including me. He always had a wonderful smile and hug for me and always made my day just talking to him. I’m sure my dad was there to meet Jim and they are trading stories. Prayers and love to you all!
I’m so glad I was able to share drinks and tall tales with Uncle Jim on a visit last summer. I will truly miss this man. Our best to the family, from Jim, Zoë and Connor in Saskatoon.
Dear Pat, Mark, Scott, David, Lance and families,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband/Dad. Jim truly was a gentle soul. We all had a great neighborhood to grow up in.
Sincerely Pauline (Zweber) Lentner
Pat: Your heart must be full right now as you and your family grieve Jim’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. May all your wonderful memories of him be a blessing to you now and in the future.
so sorry to hear the loss of Jim, he was a wonderful person and a great friend to my mom and dad ( Harold and Elfreda Monnens)
thoughts and prayers to Pat and the entire family.
will miss seeing Jim at the VFW
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Our sincere condolences Jim was such a fun loving guy always happy and great humor. Love and Hugs to his family