James Milton Scates, age 75, of Warsaw, passed away on June 3, 2017. He was a retired salesman for Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co., a seasonal driver for Hutt Produce, and a former real estate agent with Hutt Realty. James had a vast interest in wildlife, especially waterfowl and decoy carving. He was a longtime supporter of Ducks Unlimited and was a 50 year member of the Warsaw Bauman Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Milton Lyell Scates and Mary Susie Webb Scates. He is survived by his wife, Holly Anne Scates; two daughters, Holly Scates Ransone and Katherine Scates Newton, both of Lyells, three grandchildren, Laura Brooke Ransone Bowles (Charles P., IV), Emily Stuart Ransone, and Edward C. Newton, VI “Lee”; one great-grandchild, Libby Marie Bowles; and many extended family members and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 7:30pm on Monday, June 5, 2017 at the Marks Chapel of Welch Funeral Home. A Masonic service will be held at 7:00 pm.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at Ebenezer United Methodist Church with Rev. Rebecca Rumburg officiating. A reception will follow. Interment will be at 4:30 pm at Beulah Baptist Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Joan Dawson, 3241 Oldhams Road, Hague, VA 22469.