Jimmy Gates

Jimmy Gates, 72, of Elkhart, Indiana, departed this life on January 18, 2021, at Elkhart Meadows. Jimmy was born January 4, 1949 in Mississippi to Bernandrew and Emma (Thompson) Gates who both preceded him in death.

He married his true love, Delores Gates, in January of 1971. She also preceded him in death and his heart couldn’t beat without her. His beloved son, Shawn Gates also preceded him as well. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Eliza Scott; sisters: Myrtis Gates and Minnie Scott; brothers: Henry Lee, James L., Clarence Earl, Willie Lee, and Willie Joe; sisters-in-law: Shavannah Gates, Carol Sue Gates, Bessie Gates, Anne "Bugg" Gates, and Blanch Gates. 

Jimmy worked at the Elkhart Foundry for 35 years until he retired to work for Elkhart Community Schools. Jimmy was a great father and provider who always took care of his family.

Survivors include a daughter, Ylonda (Mike) Szucs; sons: Jimmy (Christina) Gates, Brandon (BG) Gates, Jaylan (PJ) Gates all of Elkhart, Indiana, and Howard Gates of Virginia; eight grandchildren: Kiesha Gates, Kaylin Szucs, Xander Gates all of Elkhart, Indiana, Jordan (Bradley) Szucs of El Cajon, California, Andrew (Danielle) Gates of Pittsburg, André Gates of Newport Beach, California, Xavier Jackson of Jackson, Michigan, Electshwal Armstrong and Terry Armstrong of Blytheville, Arkansas; sisters: Dorothy (Alonzo) Harris, Diana (Mangl-) Causey, Emma (Earl) McCaster, Mary Alice Tate, and Jackie Harris all of Elkhart, Indiana; brothers: Louis Charles (Bessie) Gates and Willie Walter (Erma) Gates both of Elkhart, Indiana. Jimmy left behind a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

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