Dr. James Edward Cates, 86, of Conroe passed away on Wednesday July 30th 2014. James was born January 9th, 1928 to John Early and Vera Cates in Alto, Texas. In his youth, he helped work on his family’s cotton farm. When James was old enough he proudly served his country in the United States Army in 1946. James served as Commissary Steward in the Korean Conflict. James enrolled in college in 1947 at Texas A&M University. There he majored in Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation he setup practice in Tomball, TX. A few years later he opened up Conroe Veterinary Clinic in Conroe, TX. He continued his Veterinarian practice and reared his family in Conroe until his retirement in 1983. James had a desire to serve the community and became City Municipal Judge of Conroe in 1994 through 2010. James was an active lifetime member of the Conroe Noon Lion’s Club and Montgomery County Fair Association. James and his Ladoris are members of the West Conroe Baptist Church. Above all, James loved the Lord, which was evident by his servant’s heart for his family and for the community. He will always be remembered by his gentleness, kindness and soft-spoken wisdom that have touched the lives of many. He was a loving Husband, Father and a Friend to all.
James is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Ladoris Cates. He is also survived by, his two sisters; Doris Shofner and Claire Bell George and his brother Dan Cates. His five children; son Donald Cates and wife Elaine, daughters Deborah Gordon, Brenda Hogue and husband Bernie, Mary Dodson and husband Ronny, Becky Griffin and husband Dwayne. Survived by his 13 Grandchildren; Janette Cleveland, Michele Adkison, Hailey Mims, Pamela Smith, Brian Walters, Tami Bishop, Frank Gordon IV, Sarah Blakley-Herring, Jessica Knight, Michael Hogue, Christina Haugh, Zac Dodson, Hannah Dodson, and Amanda Gail Griffin. He is also survived by; his 20 great grandchildren; as well as his friend and loving caregivers Odessa Sneed and Lafonda Berry. The family will receive friends and family on Sunday, August 3, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m at Cashner Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 4, 2014 at 3:00 p.m in Cashner Colonial Chapel, with Interment to follow in Garden Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Conroe Noon Lions Club ( www.conroenoonlions.org ) P.O. Box 1135, Conroe, Texas 77305, or the Texas Lions Camp.
If you would like to leave a written tribute please go to www.cashnerconroe.com
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