Obituary of James E. Bates, DPM

Dr. James E. Bates, DPM Temple University legacy, Dr. James Earl Bates, died November 2, 2007. He was 84 years old. Dr. Bates was Chancellor of the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, and founding President of the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. He died at home after a brief illness in care of his wife of fifty-seven years, Lauralou Courtney Bates, artist in glass and fiber. He is survived by his sister, Doris Jenkins, and his children: Susan Courtney Bates Jaren, Sara Melanie Bates Hudson, the Rev. J. Barrington Bates, Willa Laurens Leitten, and his grandchildren: Dr. Olav Jaren, Allison Jaren, Jeroen Visser t Hooft Breneman, and Zachary James Leitten. Dr. Bates was internationally known for his leadership in Podiatry and podiatric education. At the close of World War II, Dr. Bates was instrumental in establishing podiatry as a recognized medical profession. Through the valiant efforts of Dr. Bates with the help of friends and colleagues, podiatry attained a permanent place in the healthcare delivery network. With his wife by his side, Dr. Bates worked tirelessly to establish and ensure the highest standards for podiatric education and practice. It is often said great endeavors stand on the backs of giants. In Podiatric Medicine, Dr. James Bates was that giant! Dr. Bates was a disabled World War II veteran. He interrupted his studies at Temple School of Chiropody to answer the call of his country as a medic in the US Army at Camp Walter, Texas. Upon completion of his army service, Dr. Bates returned to school to graduate and begin his career in private practice in Germantown. He then served as Professor of Roentgenology at Temple School of Chiropody. When Temple University decided to close the School of Chiropody, Dr. Bates and a small group of colleagues established a school of podiatric medicine at Eighth and Pine Streets in Philadelphia. Dr. Bates often said he drew the short straw to give up his practice and become the schools founding president but under his deft leadership, the school attained prominence as a world class institution. In true form, as captains guide their ships back to safe harbor, Dr. Bates returned the College of Podiatric Medicine safely back to Temple University where the school and the profession continue to thrive as it stands today, the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Bates has been honored many times for his service and leadership in Podiatry. He received hundreds of citations, awards, and honorary degrees. He was the first Podiatrist invited to join the Royal College of Surgeons. He served on congressional committees regarding healthcare and health initiatives, advising elected officials, deans, provosts, and presidents regarding efficacy in healthcare education. He is known for lifetime leadership in and dedication to his profession. Dr. Bates was an admired member of Philadelphia and southern New Jersey communities where he enjoyed golf at the Greate Bay Country Club. Dr. Bates was active in the YMCA and Boy Scouts of America. He was the only son of Margaret Kinsey and Earl Barrington Bates of Ligonier, PA and preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Jean Bates Rose. Memorial services will be held at Christ Church, in Philadelphia on November 9 at 3:00 pm. In continuance of his generous spirit Dr. Batess body was donated to the Humanities Gift Registry to be used for medical research and training. His cremated remains will be interred at the Valley Forge National Cemetery. Contributions to the Chancellor James Earl Bates Scholarship Fund at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine are appreciated. Clearly, Dr. Bates is a man whose life made a difference. Interment will be held privately.