James "Dick" Richard Cates

James Richard "Dick" Cares, 63, of Caldwell, Idaho died December 19 at his home from a massive heart attack. A funeral service was conducted December 22 in Nampa, Idaho.

Mr. Cates was born May 30, 1942, in Nyssa to Homer and Annabelle Cates. As a youngster, he started singing and entertaining audiences in the Treasure Valley. As he matured, his band, Dick Cates and the Chessmen, became one of the leading bands in the area. He was also involved in the trucking business the last 20 years of his life.

In his early 20's Mr. Cates married Barbara, and the couple lived for more than a decade in Union County. They had three daughters. Family members say Mr. Cates was a jokester and unique. His grandchildren never knew what kind of story he was going to tell next. Those who knew Mr. Cates said he lived life to the fullest. He loved hunting and weekend outings with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters and their husbands, Kim and Rod Heighes of Lewiston, Idaho, Shelly and Kyle Hallgarth of Elgin and Terri and Dustin Patten of Caldwell, Idaho; six grandchildren; a sister, LaWanda Barrutia; brothers, Don, Bill and Larry Cates and many nieces and nephews.