James J. "Amos" Bates

James J. “Amos” Bates, 76, of Iuka, Mississippi, died Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at his residence. He was a graduate of Belmont High School in 1959, and was owner of Bates Piano Company in Belmont from 1968 – 1974. He was very active in planning and supporting the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. He was Sheriff of Tishomingo County from 1980 – 1984, and was Chief of Police for the City of Iuka from 1990 until his retirement in 2000. He then served a 4 year term on the Board of Aldermen for the City of Iuka. He was a member of Fifth Street Baptist Church, and enjoyed spending time with his family. Visitation will begin at 4 PM on Friday, November 8, and continue until service time on Saturday, November 9, at Fifth Street Baptist Church. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 AM on Saturday, November 9, 2013, at Fifth Street Baptist Church, officiated by Bro. Tony Curtis, Bro. William Burcham, and Bro. Haskel Sparks. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers include Michael Richardson, Becky Hanie, Randy McDuffy, Anthony Smith, Danny Wood, John Ray Nunley, John Dennis Daugherty, and Anita Mitchell. Honorary bearers will be the Iuka Police Department, the Mayor and Board of Alderman of the City of Iuka, James Thigpen, Charles Martin, and Dr. Al Flannery. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. He is survived by his wife, Anne Bonds Bates of Iuka; 4 sons – Steve Bates (Charlotte) of Red Bay, AL; Roy Bates (Regina) of Dennis; Foy Bates (Barbara) of Iuka; and David Bates of Burnsville; 1 step son – Chris Borden (Betsy) of Southaven; 1 brother – Cline Bates (Helen) of Belmont; 4 grandchildren – Roy Bates, Jr., Maggie Bates, Savannah Bates, and Mason Bates; 2 step grandchildren – Jeremy Borden (Seidina) and Tara Long (Mac); 1 great grandchild – Addie Bates; and 2 step great grandchildren – Anna Borden and Temperance Long. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fifth Street Baptist Church Fund at 1804 Independence Square, Iuka, MS 38852.