Mr. James Russell (J.R.) Bates, age 90, a resident of Montgomery, AL, passed November 17, 2024. A family hour will be held Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 5-6 P.M in the chapel of Ross-Clayton Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Friday, November 22, 2024 at 12:00 Noon from St. Johns AME Church. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

James will truly be missed by family, friends, and all who knew him. James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Erma Jean Wilson Bates, daughter, Janese R. (Legand) Burge, grandson, Louis Lee Burge, sister-in-law, Catherine Wilson Hamilton, niece, Catherine Hamilton Washington, great-nephew Keith Antonio Washington, great-niece Jasmine Washington and he also leaves behind a host of family and friends.