Deseret News | Funeral services set for American Fork city councilman who died Friday

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Funeral services set for American Fork city councilman who died Friday

Published: Monday, May 21, 2007 10:59 a.m. MDT

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AMERICAN FORK American Fork City Councilman Jimmie Cates, 68, died Friday after a battle with cancer.

The councilman, described by his colleagues as "kind" and "gentle," will be missed, said Mayor Heber Thompson, who was Cates' friend and neighbor.

"He was a very steadying influence on the City Council," Thompson said. "He always made sure we paid attention to the voice of the community."

Cates' work with the City Council started when he took over for Don Hampton, who resigned his council post in February 2003. Cates ran in the November elections that year, but did win a seat on the council.

Cates was again appointed to take over for a councilman who had resigned, Tom Hunter, in February 2005. He was elected to a permanent seat in the City Council in November of that same year.

Cates attended City Council meetings until he became to ill three months ago. He had not yet completed his four-year term.

An active community member, Cates donated a lot of his time to the metropolitan water board, historic preservation, the senior citizens center and the American Fork Irrigation Company. Prior to his involvement with the City Council, Cates served on the city's Planning Commission.

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He also served as bishop for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the American Fork 22nd Ward.

Cates had previously beat cancer, Thompson said, and the council was hopeful he would pull through again. When Thompson visited Cates at his home during his illness, he was impressed with the man's resolve.

"He had a good attitude and a good spirit about him," he said. "He was a wonderful man."

The city plans to appoint someone to fill Cates' seat until a replacement can be elected in November to serve the remainder of the term.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the American Fork 12th Ward, 673 E. 300 North. A viewing will be tonight from 6 to 8 at the Anderson and Sons Mortuary, 49 E. 100 North, in American Fork, and Tuesday at the church from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services.

Burial in the American Fork Cemetery.