Services for James Edward Cates will be Tuesday, April 3, 2018 2:00 P.M. at the Craddock Memorial Chapel with Rev. Tim Jones officiating.  A visitation for family and friends will be Monday from 6-7 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be at Newport Cemetery. James was born January 24, 1932 in Foreman, Arkansas to Theo Cates and Annie Mary (Cowling) Cates. He passed from this life on March 30, 2018 in Ardmore at the age of 86. James was an Army veteran and was very proud of serving his country. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, horses, gardening, sports, especially OU, western shows and Sonic happy hour. James worked as a teacher for many years at Dickson School. Later he worked as a truck driver. He was given the honor of Driver of the Year and had logged over 3 million safe miles.

James was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Julie Gable sister: Lynn Cranfill, grandchildren:  Shedrick and Joshua.