James Eric "Jimmy" Coates

James Eric “Jimmy” Coates, age 71, of Lexington, S.C., passed away, Saturday evening, September 6, 2025, after a short illness at Lexington Medical Center, Lexington, S.C. Jimmy was born on October 30, 1953, to the late Dewey Rogers Coates and Sarah Louise Ballard Coates in Charlotte, N.C. He was a 1972 graduate of Andrew Jackson High School and a 1977 graduate of the University of South Carolina where he majored in Business Management.

He was an avid deer hunter and Gamecock fan. He loved Gamecock football and Gamecock Women’s basketball. He retired from Michelin in 2013 after 25 years of service.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Shirley Blackmon Coates; his daughter, Jennifer Coates Drayer and her husband, Robert; his brother, William Douglas Coates and his wife, Linda; 2 grandchildren, Emmalyne Drayer and Alexa Drayer and 2 nieces, Amy Coates Hite and her husband, David and Pamela Coates.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, S.C. Mr. Leon Draft will officiate. Burial will follow in the Coates family plot in Kershaw City Cemetery.

The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service on Thursday, September 11, beginning at 3:00 p.m. and continues until 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made by visiting hamptonwildlifefund.org or by mail to Hampton Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 2641, Columbia, S.C. 29202.

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, S.C.