Obituary of James J. Oates

James J. Oates, 90, of Clinton, NY, went to be with his Lord on March 14, 2018. James was born in Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ on April 7, 2017 and was alifelong resident of Bergen County, New Jersey. He was the oldest child of Michael and Teresa Oates (Gilfeather) of Edgewater, NJ.  He was educated at Seton Hall University and was an Accountant for Union Carbide Corporation for most of his career. James was a devout Catholic and a member of the Church of Nativity for over 30 years.  He was an enthusiastic Yankees fan, never missing a game on TV. He spent the last 3 years of his life at Lutheran Home, Clinton, NY.  James is survived by his three children: James Oates, his partner, William Li; Mary Beth Schmalz, her husband, Werner Schmalz; Michael Oates, his wife, Patricia; John Oates, brother, Maureen Oates, sister; 5 Grandchildren: Dylan Oates, Brenden Oates, Liam Schmalz, Aiden Oates and Quinn Oates. James is predeceased by Michael Oates, father, Teresa Gilfeather Oates, mother, and Patrick Oates, brother. Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday, March 18, 2018 at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, (vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, 07481. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 2018 at the Church of the Nativity, 315 Prospect Street, Midland Park, 07432. Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery, 770 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah. Contributions in James’ memory may be made to the Franciscan Mission Associates, P.O. Box 598, Mt. Vernon, NY, 10551.