James August Cates, Jr., 79, of Roanoke Rapids, NC, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2014.

James was a 1953 ½ graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, VA, then attended Apprentice School, Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock in Norfolk, VA. He was retired from SUPSHIP Newport News. James was a Past Master of Nansemond Masonic Lodge #77 and a Fifty Year Veteran; Past Master Councilor, Order of DeMolay; an Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America; 32 Degree Scottish Mason and a Royal Arch Mason. James also served in the Army National Guard.

He was preceded in death by his father, James August Cates, Sr.

James is survived by his wife of 50 years, Imogene Wilkins Cates; his son, Douglas Cates and Fiancée, Lisa Hapee of Redondo Beach, CA; his daughter, Cindy Valodine and her husband, Jeff of Milwaukee, WI; his mother, Edna Cates Lusk of Portsmouth, VA; his sister, Sharyn Hughes and her husband, Larry of Suffolk, VA; his brother, Ronnie Cates and his wife, Joyce of Suffolk, VA; one granddaughter, Rachel Rageth and her husband, Justin of Jefferson, WI; and one grandson, Jeffrey Valodine of Milwaukee, WI.

Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 3:00 PM at Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Gasburg, VA with Rev. Greg Hand officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the Fellowship Hall.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Tammy, Lori, Ann, and Joyce for their special care and concern during the last several weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pleasant Hill Christian Church Building Fund at 175 County Road 665, Gasburg, VA, 23857 or to Halifax Home Health and Hospice at 220 Smith Church Road, Building C, Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870.