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James F. Gates, 88, of Plains Township, passed away Aug. 12, 2025, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains, Pa. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Henry and Mary (Cawley) Gates.
Jim was a graduate of Altoona High School and attended Penn State University, Altoona.
He was employed as a floor supervisor at Woodstream of Lititz, Pa., until his retirement.
Jim was a member of St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin. His faith had always been a very important part of his life. He was a lifelong and very active member of St. James Church, Lititz, for many years until his relocation to Plains. Jim was a big supporter of their regular Bingo games for many years.
He enjoyed many cruises with his wife, Janet, and enjoyed spending time in any local casinos. Jim was a voracious reader and enjoyed talking about a variety of subjects. Some of his favorite people were his dogs. He always had one by his side.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Janet (Habecker) Gates; brothers, Paul and John Gates; and a stepson, Scott Fisher.
Surviving are his sisters, Mary Frank of Altoona and Barbara Anderson and her husband, John, of Stewarts-
town, Pa.; a brother, Franciscan Friar Richard Gates TOR of Loretto; sisters-in-law, Kay Giovagnoli of Jenkins Township and Ann Gates of Altoona; stepchildren, Jeff Fisher and his life partner, Kathy Merklinger, and Wanda Barr; stepgrandchildren: Taylor Martinez and her husband, Peter; Richard Deck; and Stephanie Gehman; and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at St. Maria Goretti Church, 42 Redwood Drive, Laflin, with Father Alex Roche, pastor, officiating. The Parish Rosary Group will recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary in the church a half hour before the funeral Mass. All are invited to join them. Those attending, please go directly to church Saturday morning.
Inurnment will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains.
Arrangements are by Corcoran Funeral Home Inc., 20 S. Main St., Plains.
Memorial donations may be made to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612.
Online condolences can be shared at corcoranfuneralhome.com.