James Murray Bates, 97, Died; Former Westporter, WWII Navy Veteran

John Murray Bates, age 97, entered into eternal rest on March 18, 2022.

John was born in Caledonia, Minnesota, on July 22, 1924, to the late John W. Bates & Florence Bates. He was educated in the Caledonia school system, graduating as Salutatorian of his high school class.

After graduation he immediately, joined the United States Navy to proudly serve his country during the height of World War II. He was assigned duty on the USS Caldwell, a Navy destroyer deployed in the Pacific Ocean. On December 12, 1944, his ship was hit by a Japanese kamikaze suicide bomber, killing 33 and wounding 40 men on board. If John had been at his usual post on the ship, he would have been one of the 33 men killed.

After the war, John briefly attended Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, but he soon left the university when ambition and adventure lead him to pursue a long and distinguished career in corporate sales and marketing. In 1947, John met and married Delores Trehus of Spring Grove, Minnesota. John and Delores were married for 68 years until Delores' passing on March 28, 2016.

John was a believer in taking an active role in his community. Upon moving to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, in 1997, he joined the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville Beaches where he was an active member, serving also as the Club's President for multiple terms. During his 19 years as a volunteer, he initiated many programs, mentored young people, and volunteered his time to a wide variety of community endeavors.

John is survived by his two daughters, Lynette Bates, of Charleston, SC, and Joleen Bates Green, of Bridgeport, CT; his grandson, Edward Green (Sheron) of Bridgeport, CT; three grandchildren, Mahogany Green, of Bridgeport, CT, Jamaal Fields-Green of New York, NY, and Aleysia Green of Hartford, CT.

The family wishes to thank the many CNAs and med-techs at Indigo Hall Assisted Living on James Island for their love and care of John over the past 9 months. The family also sends a special thank you to the nurses, social workers and doctors at Amedisys Home Hospice of Charleston for their exceptional support and care. A private family memorial service will be held in Westport, CT, where John and Delores lived for over 25 years prior to their move to Ponte Vedra Beach. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston