Lafayette, LA - James Marcus Kates died on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Lafayette, La. He was 99 years old.

He is survived by three sons: Curtis R. Kates and wife, Laura Perry Kates, of Houston TX; Paul G. Kates and wife, Cindy Osborne Kates, of Hockley, TX; and David J. Kates and wife, Kelly Williston Kates, of Littleton, CO, as well as nine grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Smith Kates; his parents Alice Barnes and Claude Robert Kates and his brother, Robert A. Kates and his wife, Katie.

James was born Sept. 6, 1925, in Wichita Falls, TX. He joined the Army Air Corps after graduating from Bentonia (MS) High School in 1943. He was training to fly B-25s when World War II ended in 1945. James attended Holmes Junior College in Mississippi one year and graduated from Louisiana State University in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering and Geology. He married Norma Faye Smith in August 1949.

After graduating from LSU, James began his distinguished career as a petroleum engineer with United Gas Corporation, which was acquired by Pennzoil in 1966. He and Norma lived in many towns in Texas and Louisiana before settling in Lafayette in 1971. James retired from Pennzoil in 1987 as Offshore District Manager of the Lafayette District.

A lifelong hunter, James enjoyed many memorable hunting trips, especially those with his sons, even hunting the "porch blind" at Pecan Springs (TX) Ranch in December 2023 at the age of 98. He was also an excellent golfer, playing regularly at Oakbourne Country Club in Lafayette.

James was a man of strong faith and lived by the precepts of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a Sunday School teacher and a Deacon at his home church, First Baptist Church of Lafayette, La. His integrity, steadfastness and faithfulness to his wife, his family and his friends were the hallmarks of his life.

A family graveside service will be at Olive Branch Cemetery in Brightstar, AR. The family appreciates the help and loving care of Ms. Elizabeth Riddle.

Guest registry is available at www.hannerfuneralservice.com.