James D. Bateman, Jr. passed away peacefully in his home after a short battle with kidney cancer on July 24, 2012. He was born on August 6th, 1946 in Pasco, WA. Jim graduated from Kennewick High in 1966. He served in the Army from 1968-1970. On July 31, 1971 he married the love of his life and his best friend, Rita. He was a loving, caring, supportive and loyal husband, father and friend. He had a strong presence in the community, beginning with the Richland Jaycees and then starting the Kennewick chapter in the mid-seventies. He was involved in both the Pasco 4th of July Parade and the Benton Franklin Fair Parade for many years. To his classmates he became known as "Lion Jim" and was involved in organizing many reunions, including the All Class Reunions. Jim's most recent jobs was with URS/Bechtel as a Quality Assurance Engineer. Throughout his working career and community involvement he developed many lasting friendships. Jim lived by his beliefs in that he treated everyone with love and respect and took care of everyone around him. Jim is survived by his wife, Rita; daughter Kate Ben; son Aaron Ashley; three grandchildren Audrey, Ava and Alex; two sisters Delrita and Judy Joe; his extended family and his 1998 Corvette. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Del and Lola Bateman. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 4th, at 10:00 a.m., at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 10th & Union Street, Kennewick. A celebration of Jim's life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Kennewick First Presbyterian Church, 2001 W. Kennewick Avenue with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Jim's memory to Hospice at The Chaplaincy, 1480 Fowler, Richland, WA 99352.