Obituary of James M. Gately, Jr.

James M. Gately, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the age of 95. Born in Newark, NJ, he was a longtime resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma before moving to New Jersey two years ago. James attended the University of Michigan, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.  He proudly served in the United States Army in WWII.  Then he attended Oklahoma A&M obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and Management. Since 1954 he was a Registered Professional Engineer. James was an engineer at Philips Petroleum Company for 37 years and a long time parishioner of the Community of St. James, both located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. James is survived by his loving wife of 73 years Mary Louise Gately; son James M. Gately, III, his wife Gale; two daughters: Ann Kathleen “Kathy” Weigle; Susan D. Wilhoit, her husband Zack; three granddaughters: Sarah Blood, her husband Brian; Rachel Tague, her husband Dan; and Jessica Wilhoit; two great grandchildren: Rylee and Connor Tague. James is predeceased by his brother Robert Gately. A Memorial Visitation will be held on June 30, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, (vpfh), 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff. A Memorial Service will commence at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in James’ memory may be made to the Oklahoma State University Engineering Department, 423 Engineering N, Stillwater, OK 74078.