James Emmett Bates, 65, of Gillsburg, MS, passed away on May 4, 2026, at his daughter’s home surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mr. Bates was born on August 21, 1960, and spent most of his childhood years living in Carthage, MS. Upon graduating from Leake Academy, he went to work in the offshore drilling industry. Later, he chose to move to Amite Count to join his stepfather’s dairy business, Kliesch Dairy in Kentwood, LA. Eventually he chose to become a union boilermaker from which he retired.

Known for being a very hard worker who spent every waking moment outdoors, Papaw Emmett tended his garden and his beef cattle, often with one of his three grandsons tagging along. An avid outdoorsman, he spent countless hours hunting and fishing with his grandsons. He bought a fishing camp in Monterey LA, as well as a boat, with hopes of spending many summers there with family. From T-ball to baseball, basketball and football, Papaw Emmett was there to watch them play. His family was his life.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Hettie J. Newman Kliesch; stepfather, Bud O. Kliesch; brother, Ellison A. Bates Jr; maternal grandparents, Jim and Lena Mae Newman; paternal grandparents, Aubrey and Katherine Bates; along with several aunts and uncles.

Survivors include his father, Ellison Aubrey Bates Sr; sister, Elissa B. Jones; son, James R. Bates (Jenna); daughter, Haley Bates Walker (Dustin); 3 grandsons, Lane, Judd and Shep Walker; 1 granddaughter, Ryleigh Bates; aunts, Margie Newman, Louise Brumfield; and a host of cousins and friends; ex-wife, Tammy Wyatt; whom he maintained a friendship with and whom also, served as his primary caregiver as his illness progressed.

Special thanks to Compassus Hospice for their compassion and care and Gillsburg Baptist Church.

Services will be on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Sharkey Funeral Home with Dr. Victor Walsh officiating. Visitation is from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Bates-Walker Family Cemetery at 8158 MS HWY 584 Osyka, MS 39657.

Pallbearers are Scott Gill, Dustin Walker, Joel Brown, David Williams, Glen Booty and Larry Walker.