Robert James "Jim" Gates

On Monday, December 4, 2023, Robert James "Jim" Gates, 76, of Dallastown, passed away at WellSpan York Hospital. He was the loving husband to Delores A. (Brown) Gates for the past 18 years. He met Delores, "Dee", one day while shopping at Brown's Orchards and Farm Market, and they would eventually begin dating. He thought it to be appropriate, since they met there, that he propose to her there as well. So one day while she was working as a cashier, he went up to her and proposed to her in front of everyone that was there. Very sweet.

Jim was born on November 5, 1947, in Roaring Spring, PA, to the late Robert V. and Olga (Worthing) Gates. After graduating high school, he entered the US Army, where he pledged over 17 years of honorable service. He was very proud of serving his country. While serving, he fought in Vietnam, battled Agent Orange exposure, and received several honorable decorations, including the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Bronze Star Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Overseas Service Ribbon, just to name a few.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR and other sports, building models, and listening to country music. Jim also was very proud of all of his military service memorabilia and driving around in his red Ford F-150 Pickup.

Jim is survived by his wife, Dee; three sons, Robert Gates and wife Mindy, Christopher Gates and wife Melissa, and Steven Gates; four step-children, Matthew Messner, Lori Bookhultz, Kimberly Young and Mark Messner and wife Anita; two siblings, Cynthia A Passero and husband Ronald and Daryl Gates and wife Barbara; one brother-in-law Carl May; three grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Linda May; and a step-son-in-law, Dennis Bookhultz.

Public viewings will be held on Friday, December 8 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and again on Saturday, December 9, from 12:00 pm until a funeral service begins at 1:00 pm, all being held at Geiple-Predicce Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 53 Main St., Glen Rock. Interment with military rites will follow in Bowsers Cemetery, New Freedom. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are recommended to the New Freedom Church of the Brethren, 15660 Country Club Rd., New Freedom, PA 17349. Online condolences may be made at www.geiple.com.