Former Caldwell Mayor, Councilman Dies at 80

A former Caldwell mayor and councilman, who was most known as the first Democrat elected to the borough's governing body in more than 50 years and for rejoining the council four decades later, died last week in his home on Kirkwood Place.

James W. Gates Sr., who suffered from Parkinson's disease, died Friday and was buried Monday at Prospect Hill Cemetary. He was 80 years old.

A realtor and broker for 50 years, he owned James Gates Reality from 1958 to 1988 and was appointed by former Gov. Jon Corzine to serve on the New Jersey Real Estate Commission.

In 1963, Gates became the first Democrat to be elected as a Caldwell councilman in 52 years.

Councilman Kay Slattery remembers that historic victory for the Democratic party when her husband, Michael, served as campaign manager for Gates.

Ever since that election, the Slatterys developed a longtime friendship with Gates and his wife, Audrey.

"It was quite a victory for us," Slattery, a fellow Democrat, recalled. "He worked very hard, but back then the Republicans were very gracious of him joining the council. There was a very good relationship. It made it enjoyable. You felt like you were accomplishing something for the town."

One year later, Gates became the borough's first Democratic mayor in five decades when he took office in 1964.

Gates and his wife raised nine children in their home on Arlington Avenue until moving out of the area for a number of years, Slattery said.

Nearly 10 years ago, Gates and his wife returned to Caldwell and purchased a home on Kirkwood Place. In 2006, Gates was elected councilman for a second time when he ran with fellow Democrats Jeff Curley and Mayor Susan Gartland, who could not be reached for comment.

After serving just one year, Gates resigned due to health reasons, Slattery said.

"He was very proud of being re-elected and the chance to be part of the council once again," Slattery said. "When he did retire, we gave him a proclamation that he hung on the wall in his home. It speaks of how proud he was to give back to his community."

Council President Ann Dassing, who served with Gates in 2006, was fascinated by the unique vantage point he brought to the governing body.

"I enjoyed the perspective he brought to the council," Dassing said. "He had been mayor and on the council about 40 years ago and brought this different perspective that I always thought was interesting. He had a lot of wisdom to offer."

Dassing said there were "many familiar faces" during Sunday's visiting hours at Dancy Funeral Home. A Mass was held at St. Aloysius Church Monday morning followed by his burial at Prospect Hill Cemetery.

Gates, who was born in New York City but lived in Caldwell for most of his life, is survived by his wife, Audrey of 60 years; children James Jr., Jill, Jeffrey, Julie Hekker, Gerald, Jennifer, John, Joseph and Glenn; his sister, Gail Taylor, 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Gates, an accomplished pianist, was predeceased by his daughter, Ellen, and brother, John.

Former Democrat Councilman Bill Edge said Gates particularly cared for the borough's elderly residents and always treated municipal employees with respect.

"He was always very caring for the seniors, the business community and the heart of Caldwell," Edge said. "He always complimented the town employees on a job well done. Whether it was the cops or the DPW workers, with all the tough parts of local government, it was good to hear that someone was paying attention."

Most importantly, Slattery said, Gates simply loved Caldwell.

"He was a very gregarious person," she said. "He knew 100 people everywhere he went. He loved it here. He loved raising his children here. He and Audrey were very involved in the community. He absolutely loved Caldwell and giving back to this community."