James "Gator" M. Gates, age 65, a Manitowoc resident, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at his home.

He was born June 1, 1958 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, son of the late Donald Gates and Maryann (Rosinsky) Peterik. Gator attended Lincoln High School in Manitowoc. On April 4, 1987, he married the love of his life Roxanne. Gator was employed at Johnsonville, worked as a bouncer at Top Hat Lounge, and was an entrepreneur. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, playing baseball, and telling jokes. Above all, he loved his family, especially his grandkids.

Gator is survived by his wife: Roxanne Gates; four children: Richelle "Gina" & Kevin Raymond, Amanda & Julio Ruiz, Ashley & Jorge Castro, and Amber Gates & Jorge Ferrusco; nine grandchildren: Kevin Raymond II, Alexus Raymond, Kaitlyn Raymond, Adrianna Maldonado, Jose Maldonado, Alynna Maldonado, Natalia Ruiz, Noelia Ruiz, and Juliana Ruiz; and two brothers and two sisters: Paul Gates, David Gates, Mary Lee Konitzer, Debra Gates. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Donald Gates and Maryann Peterik; two sisters: Lynn Scherer and Tammy Leiker; one infant brother; four nephews: Anthony Hoffman, Jeremy Ott, Billy Wilhelm, and Dale Wilhelm; one niece: Emily Perry; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will occur at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 North Water Street, Manitowoc. Following the service, entombment will take place at Knollwood Mausoleum. A luncheon will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, located on the southside property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, following the entombment. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Noon on Wednesday at the funeral home.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com .

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staffs of Knollwood Mausoleum, Domnitz Flowers, and Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home for the care and kindness shown to them during their time of need.