James E. Gates, 86, a resident of Maple Shade Meadows Nursing Home in Nesquehoning, Pa., formerly of Montgomery, Ala., passed away on May 25, 2011, at the Phoebe Home in Allentown. James was born in Lowndes County, Ala., on October 6, 1924. He was the son of the late Chris and Estelle (Moorer) Gates. He was a graduate from Hayneville High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant in WWII and Korea, being awarded a Combat Infantry Badge and a Purple Heart in WWII. James owned and operated Service Stations in West Palm Beach, Miami and Montgomery, retiring in 1986. Surviving are sons, James Gates and his wife Debra of Whitehall, Pa., John Gates and his wife Cori of Lansford, and Jeffrey Gates and his wife Elisabeth of Macungie, Pa.; grandchildren, Nathan Gates, Kevin Gates, Jason Gates, Kristyn Gates, Chris Segan and Erik Segan; a sister, Mary Evelyn Fuller of Montgomery, Ala.; Numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers, Chris, Carl and Gene. Funeral Services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by the Skrabak-Parambo Funeral Home, 210 E. Bertsch St., Lansford. Online condolences may be signed at www.parambofh.com.