Obituaries

James Anderson Rates, age 83, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, surrounded by the love and presence of his family. Services will be Saturday, September 19, 2026 beginning with visitation at 10 am and funeral service to follow at 12 noon at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 1310 W. Broadway. Interment will be in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff, KY.

Born on March 8, 1943, to Louise (Bowman) Rates and James A. Rates Sr., James lived a long, steady, and meaningful life defined by resilience, quiet strength, and deep devotion to the people he loved. He was a man who did not need many words to make an impact. His presence alone carried weight—dependable, grounded, and unwavering. He built his life upon hard work, loyalty, integrity, and a commitment to doing right by others.

James attended Central High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army. Understanding the value of education and personal growth, he continued his studies and earned two degrees from Watterson College. James enjoyed a successful professional career with AT&T, where he worked faithfully until his retirement. Yet retirement did not mean slowing down. He continued to remain active and serve his community through his work at Bellarmine College and with the City of Louisville.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, James had a gift for capturing life’s most meaningful moments through the lens of his camera. A well-known photographer, he was frequently called upon to photograph weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. Through his photography, James became a part of countless family celebrations, preserving memories that will be treasured for generations. His contributions and service did not go unnoticed. James was honored as a RAVE Award recipient, and in a remarkable tribute to his impact on the community, then-Mayor Jerry Abramson proclaimed March 8, 1990, as “James Rates Day” in the City of Louisville—a lasting recognition of a life of service and distinction.

James also knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. He loved working crossword puzzles, watching Westerns, and listening to the soulful music of Curtis Mayfield. He was also a devoted, die-hard University of Louisville fan and proudly supported the Cardinals. Those who knew James will remember more than his accomplishments. They will remember his strength, his dependability, his loyalty, and the quiet way he showed his love. He demonstrated through his life that a person does not have to be the loudest voice in the room to leave a lasting impression.

James Anderson Rates leaves behind a legacy woven into the lives of his family, friends, community, and the countless people whose special moments he preserved through his photography. His was a life of purpose, service, perseverance, and love. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the example he set will continue to speak for him for generations to come. A life well lived. A legacy well established. A man who will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

James is preceded in death by his mother and father Louise and James Rates; and his sister, Jimmie Rates. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife Brenda Rates;  his brother, Philip Moore (Trudy); his daughter, Elizabeth (Lanier) Scott (Roscoe); sons, Brian Rates (Michael), and William Goldwair, and daughters, Beverly Goldwair and Vonda Woodmore (Derek); grandchildren; Ryan Scott(Devyn), Elise Scott, Brooklyn Rates, Jasmine Goldwair, Jeremiah Goldwair, Jayla Goldwair, Carmen Goldwair, Daniel Goldwair, Brandi Goldwair, Andre Goldwair, Danielle Woodmore, and Derek Woodmore Jr. (Erin); seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild