Visitation: A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD with family present at 3:00 p.m.
Jim Gates, age 63, died unexpectedly Monday, November 4, 2024 at his home in Canton, SD. A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD with family present at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a humane society or the charity of your choice.
Jim was born on April 13, 1961 in Canton, SD to Francis and Frances (Middendorp) Gates. He grew up in Canton, graduating from Canton High School in 1979. Through the years, Jim worked at Morrell’s, Heiskell Construction, Fastek/Amesbury, owned a sandblasting company, and was currently in the maintenance department at Keystone Treatment Center.
Jim was united in marriage to his soulmate, Laurie Lemler on October 5, 1991 in Canton, SD. The couple made their home in Canton and were blessed with two children, Natalie and Austin. Although their title of marriage wasn’t forever, their love for each other and their children continues to this day.
Jim was a hard worker who could fix anything and was willing to help anyone in need. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, and water skiing.
He loved spending time with his family and his dogs, listening to his hair bands, and sitting in a lawn chair by the campfire sipping on a cold beverage (before “switching to diesel”).
He will be remembered for his strong character and helping hand, his salsa, and for being a loyal member of the Jim Club.
Grateful for sharing his life are Laurie Gates; his children, Natalie Gates (Chris Driscoll) and Austin Gates; granddaughter, Everly Gates; sisters, Peggy Moore and Laurie Wiebe; dog, Rowdie; along with numerous extended relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Judy; and dogs, Tibbs, Nash, Westley, and Grace.
I was so sad to hear this. I was hoping to see him at our Class of ’79 reunion last month. Never forget God’s great promise of eternal life. We will all meet again in His holy presence. I will be out of town this weekend so will not be available to celebrate his life. Peace and prayers to all of you!
Glad he was able to teach me how to fix a few things around the house!
O my goodness. So sad. I just talked him the other day. Jim and I talked all the time. My hearts breaks RIP my friend
I love you Jim you where am amazing friend and will be missed so much
R.I.P Jim I’ll miss you buddy and my thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. you will always be loved and missed but never forgotten
It’s so very sad to hear this. We became good friends through the years. You surely will be missed my friend. See you someday on the other side.
My heart breaks at this news. I cannot be there in person for the visitation, but I will be there in spirit. My condolences to the family. Jim will be missed greatly.
Laurie and family, we are sending you deepest sympathy at this time of loss. Phyllis and Nancy Ellis
Sending prayers for your family during this difficult time. Mark and I got to know Jim when he was our backyard neighbor. Jim was always so friendly and loved to chat. Will miss seeing his white truck driving around town.
I’m Sad to hear about Jim’s passing away… I Worked with Jim at Keystone .. Jim had a lot of talent when it come To fixing things Jim is going to be missed by Many .. I’m sending my condolences to your family’s at this difficult time .. (( Hugs ))
Lynn Vaksdal
Jim was so helpful to Garu and Rschel at keystone. also did some construction work at our home..he was so wonderful and will be missed at Keystone
Laurie, so sorry for the loss of your brother. Didn’t know him well but he always had time to say Hello or wave as he drove by. He will be missed by many. Thinking of you during your grief. Take care.
Jim was a great friend and nothing he couldn’t do to help. Thank you Jim for the friendship and help over the years. Rest easy my friend. Hugs and prayers to your family. You will be missed.
He was such a wonderful neighbor and kind soul! We will miss his positive nature, willingness to help anyone in need, his laugh and of course his bonfires.
Prays for his family he will be missed
We are so sorry and heart broken to hear the sad news of the loss of our dear friend. I have many fond memories of our time together over the years. Our heart felt condolences go out to all his family and friends. He will be missed
If Jim was your friend he would do anything for you always smiling telling stories about the wise old owl and the red tail hawk and the squirrel he would catch and go release south of town and the squirrel would beat him back to town I will truly miss my friend we will meet again some day until then god speed buddy
we our deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Jim Gates. we will always remember Jim as being kind, a good friend to Tom always since child hood ,good humored and tough as nails but with a heart of gold. He will be in our hearts forever. Prayers for his family.RIP Jim🙏🏻🌺
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I worked with him at Keystone. He is the most down to earth genuine man. Jim said hi to everyone he crossed paths with. Jim would help anyone if they needed it. Heaven gained a good soul. Jim loved his family very much. Rest in peace Jim,