John Charles Bates III was born on December 25, 1942, in Inglewood CA.After a recent diagnosis of Esophageal cancer, John passed away on Wednesday March 11, 2020, at his Aliso Viejo home surrounded by his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy Bates along with a younger brother.John is survived by a younger brother and sister.In addition, John leaves behind his wife Deanna Bates of Aliso Viejo, CA.John and Deanna were married on June 4, 1988, in Buena Park CA at Knott's Berry Farm. He is also survived by his brother-in-law- and sister-in-law Robert and Dorc Morss of NV and sister-in-law Cheryl Smith in WY.John has numerous nieces and nephews in Southern CA who he loved.He was especially close to his nieces in Wyoming Jenny Coy and Deana Morss. Since childhood they have loved spending time with their Uncle John and going on trips with him.
In 1985, John changed career paths working for the Internal Revenue Service until his retirement in 2005.
John, legally blind from birth was an active member of the National Federation of the Blind for decades.He fully embraced the philosophy of the Federation that blindness was a mere physical characteristic of who he was.You could live the life you wanted with proper training and attitude.John was greatly loved and admired in the organization.He inspired and mentored countless numbers of blind persons encouraging them to pursue their dreams.People often spoke of how kind, caring, and gentle he was.John and Deanna shared a passion for the empowerment of others to maximize their full potential and not to allow labels and attitudes to stand in the way of the pursuit of goals and living the life they choose.
John was among the first graduating class of Systems Development Corporation (SDC) in Santa Monica, CA.He tested in the top 10 % accepted for the program at SDC.Subsequent to his computer programming training at SDC John graduated from Cak State LA in 1972 with a BS Degree in business
John often talked of his participation in the business fraternity at Cal State LA, including his fascination with his general education courses in astronomy and geology.
John closely followed the stock market along with business trends.One of his other major interests was sports, especially baseball and football.
John and Deanna shared a love for travel and adventure and have traveled throughout the US and Mexico.
John's memorial service is scheduled for July 11, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at McCormick & Sons Mortuary, 25002 Moulton PKWY, Laguna Hills, CA.The graveside service is scheduled for 1pm at El Toro Memorial Park, 25751 Trabuco RD, El Toro CA.Due to Covid please bring a face mask.The service will be live streamed to accommodate those unable to physically attend.
In addition, the family is requestingIn lieu of flowers, contributionsbe made in John's name to the National Federation of the Blind (www.nfb.org) or via mail National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230.


Live Stream Link for Service: https://nettv.bz/jb/single-portfolio.html
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In lieu of flowers please donate to National Federation of the Blind(www.nfb.org) or via mail National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, Maryland.