Mr. James Joe Bates

June 5, 1958 - January 25, 2022

Mr. James Bates, 63, peacefully departed this life on January 25, 2022 in Hampton, Virginia. He was born to the late Effie bates and James C. Ponton and raised as a son of the late Vernell M. Ponton. James was affectionately as "Boo-Boo" to his family. He graduated from Ferguson High School in the class of 1976. After graduation, he went to work for the Newport News Shipyard in the X-33 department until he retired. He was well known and very well respected as a no-nonsense man. He was serious about his work and doing things the right way. As serious as he was, he loved life and enjoyed gardening and fixing things. Though he had no children of his own, he loved his favorite nephew Keith Brown Jr. like a son and was very proud of him. James leaves to cherish his memory: his sisters Barbara A. Brown (Keith Sr.), Paula M. Gillis, Jaqueline Harris (Donald), and Barbara Burnette; brothers Bruce Ponton (Manesia) and Willie Ponton, nieces Christial Pnton Foster, Lashanda Y. Gillis, Takesha Y. Ponton, Michelle Ponton, Davita Ponton, and Dallas Brown; nephews Lamont Gillis, Keith Brown Jr., and Jordan Ponton. Boo-Boo's favorite bible quote was the 23rd Psalm: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and staff they comfort me. Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. He would want his loved ones to be comforted by these words.