Obituary for James Wiley Cates
James Wiley Cates, the eleventh child born to the late Alexander II and Mary Edwards Cates, transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, October 21, 2022. Wiley as he was called by family, was educated in the Person and Durham County school systems.
As a child he became a member of the Red Mountain Baptist Church. As an adult, he continued to labor in this vineyard until his health would no longer allow him to serve. James was an active member who attended Sunday School and in 1993 was ordained as Deacon to the Deacon Board. He also lent his voice to the Gospel Choir, as well as the Male Chorus.
James was employed by the Duke University Hospital Laundry Service as a truck driver. He was recognized with a ten year service award for continuous and loyal service. James continued to be an outstanding employee and was once again recognized for twenty-five years of loyal service. He continued to make strides in life as he enrolled in the Continued Adult Education classes at W.D. Hill Recreation Center. James’ thirst for education was demonstrated as he made every effort to go from his home in Braggtown to W.D. Hill on Fayetteville Street by walking.
James developed a love for baking and became quite the expert when it came to making Chocolate, Pineapple, and Coconut cakes from scratch. He loved the Lord, family, car racing, wrestling, and gospel music. James also loved a nice suite, Dingo boots, and a pair of Stacy Adams shoes.
James was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Hattie Corinna Roberts, Sarah Elizabeth, Rosa Lee Blackmon, Geneva Laws, John Henry, Ben Ellison, Alexander III, Earl, Jerome, and George Lewis.
James is survived by his wife, Jean L Cates; three sons, Dwayne (Anita), Roderick, and James F.; six grandchildren, Chanelle, Kendrick, Ryan, Cameron, Aniyah, and Jhamari; four great grandchildren, Amir, Ava, Aston, and Arthur; eight sisters, Lugenia Parker (William ‘Buck’), Hannah Cates Harris, Pearl Cates-Bullock, Mary Curry, Marie Cates Carrington, Evelyn Jean Cates, Pauline Cates, and Claudine Cates; three brothers, A. Samuel Cates, Rev Goldsmith Cates (Rev Amay), and Joseph Cates; two aunts, Lizzie Mayo, Ester ‘BabyJoe’ Edwards, along with a host of relatives and friends.
As a child he became a member of the Red Mountain Baptist Church. As an adult, he continued to labor in this vineyard until his health would no longer allow him to serve. James was an active member who attended Sunday School and in 1993 was ordained as Deacon to the Deacon Board. He also lent his voice to the Gospel Choir, as well as the Male Chorus.
James was employed by the Duke University Hospital Laundry Service as a truck driver. He was recognized with a ten year service award for continuous and loyal service. James continued to be an outstanding employee and was once again recognized for twenty-five years of loyal service. He continued to make strides in life as he enrolled in the Continued Adult Education classes at W.D. Hill Recreation Center. James’ thirst for education was demonstrated as he made every effort to go from his home in Braggtown to W.D. Hill on Fayetteville Street by walking.
James developed a love for baking and became quite the expert when it came to making Chocolate, Pineapple, and Coconut cakes from scratch. He loved the Lord, family, car racing, wrestling, and gospel music. James also loved a nice suite, Dingo boots, and a pair of Stacy Adams shoes.
James was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Hattie Corinna Roberts, Sarah Elizabeth, Rosa Lee Blackmon, Geneva Laws, John Henry, Ben Ellison, Alexander III, Earl, Jerome, and George Lewis.
James is survived by his wife, Jean L Cates; three sons, Dwayne (Anita), Roderick, and James F.; six grandchildren, Chanelle, Kendrick, Ryan, Cameron, Aniyah, and Jhamari; four great grandchildren, Amir, Ava, Aston, and Arthur; eight sisters, Lugenia Parker (William ‘Buck’), Hannah Cates Harris, Pearl Cates-Bullock, Mary Curry, Marie Cates Carrington, Evelyn Jean Cates, Pauline Cates, and Claudine Cates; three brothers, A. Samuel Cates, Rev Goldsmith Cates (Rev Amay), and Joseph Cates; two aunts, Lizzie Mayo, Ester ‘BabyJoe’ Edwards, along with a host of relatives and friends.