Jim Cates
Elder
Jim grew up in a Christian home on the family farm near Marion, Ind., where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. He accepted Jesus as his Savior at a junior high church camp. While attending Purdue University, he married his high school sweetheart, Becky. After graduating with a degree in Agricultural Economics, Jim joined the family farm, and Becky started her career as a kindergarten teacher.
In 1981, Jim left the farm to pursue a career path leading him to own a farm insurance agency. By 1984, two daughters completed the family and soon Becky left teaching to become a full-time mom. Jim sold the insurance agency in 2008 and began focusing on assisting people with long-term care planning, which he continues today.
Jim and Becky have been active in church throughout their life together, including serving as an Elder couple at their church in Fort Wayne, Ind. They moved to The Villages in 2018. At LOCC, they lead an Encore Group, serve in the prayer ministry and in Filler Factory; and now head the Operation Christmas Child Club of The Villages. Jim also serves on the Encore Coach Team and the Southern Oaks Set-Up Team. He and Becky love finding time to spend with family, both through occasional trips back to Indiana and when welcoming visitors here – especially when the visitors are their three beautiful granddaughters.
Jim Cates
Elder
Jim grew up in a Christian home on the family farm near Marion, Ind., where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. He accepted Jesus as his Savior at a junior high church camp. While attending Purdue University, he married his high school sweetheart, Becky. After graduating with a degree in Agricultural Economics, Jim joined the family farm, and Becky started her career as a kindergarten teacher.
In 1981, Jim left the farm to pursue a career path leading him to own a farm insurance agency. By 1984, two daughters completed the family and soon Becky left teaching to become a full-time mom. Jim sold the insurance agency in 2008 and began focusing on assisting people with long-term care planning, which he continues today.
Jim and Becky have been active in church throughout their life together, including serving as an Elder couple at their church in Fort Wayne, Ind. They moved to The Villages in 2018. At LOCC, they lead an Encore Group, serve in the prayer ministry and in Filler Factory; and now head the Operation Christmas Child Club of The Villages. Jim also serves on the Encore Coach Team and the Southern Oaks Set-Up Team. He and Becky love finding time to spend with family, both through occasional trips back to Indiana and when welcoming visitors here – especially when the visitors are their three beautiful granddaughters.