James David "Jim" Bates

5th October 1951 - 18th December 2025
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Service Details
Ascot Park Hotel
Corner Tay Street and Racecourse Road
Invercargill
Tuesday 23 December 2025, 1:30PM

BATES, James David “Jim”;

After a courageous battle due to a medical event, Jim passed away surrounded by his loving family, at Dunedin Hospital on Thursday 18th December 2025. Aged 74 years.

Dearly loved husband of Sandra.

Cherished Dad and Grandad of Tony and Hinemaia; Nathan, Korina, Daryl and Carlos; Greg, Kylie, Liam and Adam.

Much respected brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and a great friend to many.

“Always up for a yarn”

A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at the Ascot Park Hotel, on Tuesday 23rd December, at 1.30pm.

Messages to 30 Waihopai Street, Rosedale, Invercargill 9810, 

Messages

So sad to hear about Jim passing. He will be sorely missed around the traps.
From all his friends at Heavy Trax Hire.
Neil Madden , Invercargill
All our love to Sandra and family at this really sad time.It has been a pleasure knowing Jim as a brother in-law and friend for well over 50 years . Love from Carolyn Owen and family.
Carolyn Smithson , Dunedin
Did work for us off and on for 40years. Always keen to have a chat.
Always did an impeccable job. Was once worried some trees would scratch a new paint job on a truck
Farewell Jim.
Vercoe family Myross Bush
John Vercoe, Myross Bush
To Sandra and family ,I feel your loss of a great man ,love you Jim my big brother,always in my heart xx
Ngaire Bates, Perth
So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. So great to have known Jim and his family through business connections. Loving thoughts are with you all xx
Scott, Alistair & Glenda - Whyte’s Gravel Supplies
Glenda & Alistair Whyte, Invercargill
Many years ago someone recommended Jim to fix a problem in our driveway …I phoned him and he said he would come at teatime that day and he did ! Such a gentleman and a genuinely wonderful tradesperson who did a great job. Have always remembered this and was so sad to see he did not get to enjoy more years of a well earned retirement . His family must be very proud of him.
Margaret Baillie, Riverton
My deepest condolences to you all. Jim was incredible man someone I truly admired.
His guidance and patience and skill will never be forgotten
Wayne Wells (Bobthebuilder), Invercargill
Sorry to hear the sad passing of Jim, condolences to the family. When I was 7 or 8 years old, (45yrs ago) Jim bought me a train ticket on the Southerner, my first train ride to go with my Dad to pick a truck up in Dunedin. Have never forgotten the kindness he showed that day. RIP.
Lionel Wood, Invercargill
To Sandra sorry for your loss Jim was a big brother and a father figure to us he would be sadly missed love u big brother xxxxx
Don Bates, Karratha
Sandra Greg Kylie and family
So very sorry to hear of Jims passing thinking of you all at this sad time hugs and love and deepest sympathy
Robyn and Jason
Robyn Watson, Invercargill