James Robert Bates

James Robert Bates, age 20, returned home to his Heavenly Parents on Monday, June 29, 2026 in Bountiful, Utah. Some people leave footprints on the earth. James left them upon people’s hearts.

To know James was to experience genuine goodness. He possessed a remarkable combination of strength and gentleness that is rarely found in one person. He was fearless enough to climb mountains, box, ski and push himself physically, yet tender enough to notice when someone around him was hurting. His instinct was never to judge, but to lift; never to criticize, but to encourage; never to take, but to give.

James loved with his whole heart!

He had an extraordinary ability to make people feel seen, valued and important. Friends were drawn to his quiet kindness, unwavering loyalty, and sincere interest in others. He never sought recognition or praise. Instead, he quietly became the person everyone could depend on. People often walked away from James feeling lighter simply because they had spent time in his presence.

James was born on March 24, 2006, in Bountiful Utah to Suzanne Millburn Bates and Matthew Jon Bates. Growing up James loved trail running, skiing, boxing, basketball, snowmobiling and lifting weights. He cherished adventures in the Uinta mountains he loved—camping beneath the stars, fly fishing, exploring hidden trails and soaking in the peace and beauty of God’s creations. He shared a very special bond with his siblings, Will, Liz, and John, creating countless memories filled with laughter and love. They each adore him. One of his favorite pastimes was affectionately teasing his mom, whom he called “Mama, babooski”. He insisted upon treating her like a queen every day of his life, rarely allowing her to open her own car door. He loved spending time with his dad running the trails near his home. His dad taught him to build with his hands, something that became a lifelong passion. He possessed an incredible work ethic and became a gifted mechanic who loved repairing vehicles.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as sushi, ice cream, and watching anime with his siblings. He loved spending time with his friends, whom he dearly treasured. He had the most infectious laugh we’ve ever heard. To laugh with James was to feel like your burdens had been instantly lifted.

James excelled academically and graduated from Bountiful High School. He possessed an exceptional mind and an insatiable desire to learn. History fascinated him and he read countless books, but nothing captured his heart like the scriptures. Before graduating from high school, James read both the Bible and Book of Mormon from cover to cover. He knew the scriptures with remarkable depth and delighted in discussing even their most obscure stories and passages. Through his scripture study he developed a deep and abiding testimony of Jesus Christ. He loved seminary and his favorite seminary teacher, Brother Wright.

James faithfully served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in both Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Bountiful, Utah. Those who served with him remember a young man whose discipleship was genuine. His friends and family never heard him use foul language or gossip about others. Instead, he looked for the good in people and spent countless hours serving others. He had a special relationship with Bishop Tuttle and his stake president, President Jensen, whom he loved.

There are people whose goodness almost defies explanation.

James was one of those people.

He possessed an uncommon purity of heart. His kindness was effortless. His compassion was genuine. He forgave easily, loved deeply, and carried a tenderness that remained intact despite the challenges of life. His life quietly testified that true greatness is not measured by fame or wealth, but by the way we love God and one another.

Although his earthly life lasted only twenty years, the influence of his life cannot be measured by time. His example will continue to live in every act of kindness inspired by his memory, every lesson he taught without speaking, and every heart forever changed by having known him.

James is survived by his father, Matthew Jon Bates, his mother, Suzanne Millburn Bates; his siblings, William Henry Bates, Elizabeth Maylene Bates, and John Millburn Bates; his grandmother, Maylene Allen Millburn, and grandparents, Val and Julie Bates, many loving aunts, especially his beloved aunt Janalee, uncles, cousins, extended family members and best friends Ryan and Gabe, as well as dear friends Jake, Wyatt, Noah, Andrew and Ethan. He was proceeded in death by his grandmother Nancy VanDyke Bates and his grandfather Mark Branch Millburn.

Although our hearts are shattered by his absence, they are also anchored by the sure knowledge that death is not the end. We know that James lives. We know he has been welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he spent his life striving to follow. We find peace in knowing that he is surrounded by perfect love, free from every earthly burden, and that one glorious day we will embrace him again. Until then, he lives—Not only in our memories, but in the presence of the One who knows and loves him perfectly.

A viewing will be held from 8:30 am to 11:30 am on Monday, July 6, 2026, followed by funeral services at 12:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1800 Mueller Park Road, Bountiful, Utah. For those unable to attend, services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary YouTube channel and this obituary page.

A graveside service will follow at Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming love, prayers, and kindness shown during this difficult time.