Jefferson Cordell 'J.B.' Bates

Jefferson Cordell Bates was born on October 4, 1978 to Eva Marie Bates and Jefferson Davis Handy in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1988, he moved with his family to Columbus, Ohio where he later earned his GED. Jeff enjoyed drawing pictures and working on home improvement projects such as painting and remodeling houses. He taught himself to cut/design hair as well. Jeff, who was also known by family and friends as “J.B.”, never met a stranger and made no enemies. Everyone who knew him – children, young people, and the elderly – loved J.B. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was known for making people laugh with the jokes he told. J.B. didn’t have a selfish bone in his body. He would give you “the world” if he had it. He was a soft spoken, laidback guy with a smile that could steal your heart. Some of his favorite activities included shopping for tennis shoes (to match every outfit) and eating all types of food (especially gumbo). He also loved to dance, listen to music, and he would even try to sing sometimes. But yes, we would stop him when we told him, “J.B., you’re hurting the song!” We would all laugh! In J.B.’s words, “Only God can judge him!!” Jeff departed this life on Monday, November 1, 2010. He was preceded in death by his father Jefferson D. Handy, grandparents Berryl Bates Simon, Lucias Bates, Sr., and Adeline Packnett Handy, uncle Charles Bates, and aunt Florence Jean Handy. He leaves to cherish his memory, mother Eva Bates McGee; stepfather Gregory J. McGee; sisters, Keisha Bates, Dionne Williams and Charlatia Kaufman; brothers, Gregory McGee, Corey McGee, Christopher (Taletris) Williams, and Lonzo Doughty; special aunts Thersa Watson and Cheryl Carter; girlfriend Jessica Allen; nieces, Destinee Lynch, DeEssence Bates, JaNiyah McLaughlin, Bree McGee, and Ethelyn Boswell; nephews, Roshaud Bates, DeMarh Bates, JaKari Barnes, Tyriq Harris, and Rondell Stewart; extended family and special friends, Carmella Cobb, Tawanya Brime, Arlinda Brown, Candice Boswell, MaryAnn Glass, Stan Glass, Ozzy Brime, Dwayne Madison, Jeremy Shuman, Ghermaine Glass; special children of his life, Anah Brown, Tynika Riley, Tyus Sherman, Jealon Brown, Carlos, Ka”vonna, and Carmeran; a host of other loving relatives and friends. Celebration of Life 2 p.m., Thursday, November 11, 2010 in the chapel of DIEHL-WHITTAKER FUNERAL SERVICE, 720 E. Long Street, where the family will receive 1 p.m. until the start of service. Interment Eastlawn Cemetery.