Jimmy Kates, 88, of Jasper

Jimmy Kates, 88, of Jasper, died at his home on Saturday Aug.8 (2020). Visitation will start at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug.12, prior to the service at 2 p.m., at the Deer Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Coonts officiating. Arrangement by Coffman Funeral Home.Jimmy was born in Ft. Worth, TX on June 29, 1932. He attended the University of Texas and studied Electrical Engineering while working for Bell Helicopters. In 1951 Jimmy joined the United States Air Force graduating at the top of his class. General Lemay selected him and others to fly bombers for the strategic Air Command (SAC). Jimmy left the service after 12 years but joined the Reserves, flying helicopter parts in C20 Cargo planes and bringing caskets back. He later flew for Collins Radio, eventually retiring from Galveston Yacht Basin.Jim was a longtime member of the Gideons and he was the Commander of American Legion. He was also, instrumental in re-establishing the Trolley Line in Galveston, Texas and donating the final antique trolley needed by the Trolley Museum of Washington, DC.Jim enjoyed playing Banjo at musicals and singing in the choir and quartet at the Deer Baptist Church.Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother, Lucy (Murry) Kates and his father Curtis Kates of Batesville and his brother, Jerry Kates.He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Aline (Evans) Kates; his children, Stephen, Mark, Tamara, and Craig Kates; 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and his stepsons, David and Chris Bush.Pallbearers will be Stephen Kates, Christopher Bush, Jonathan Bush, and Alec Bush.