J.M. Cates

James Monroe “JM” Cates, Jr., 89, of Clayton, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

JM was born on August 30, 1936, in Thalia, Texas, to Lillian Hopkins and James Monroe Cates, Sr. In January of 1958, he moved to Amarillo, Texas, where he worked on the XL and LX ranches. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Virginia “Ginger” Rae Rasberry.

In 1977, JM moved his family to Clayton, New Mexico, where he established his own ranch in Seneca. There, he dedicated his life to raising cattle and building a successful dozer business. JM was a true cowboy, known for his respect for the land and livestock, values that guided the way he lived and worked.

Alongside his ranching, JM was also a talented musician. He played with local bands in both Amarillo, TX, and Clayton, NM, and was proud to be the oldest living band member of the Western Cowpunchers Association. Music, much like ranching, was a lifelong passion that brought him joy and connected him to many friends.

JM was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia “Ginger” Rae Cates; and his brothers, Dwayne “Chumpy” Cates, Jerry Cates, and Albert Cates.

He is survived by his brother, Ivan Cates of Amarillo, TX; his sister, Peggy Tabor of Quanah, TX; and his daughters, Christi Cates and Angela Champion of Amarillo, TX, Rochelle Cates-Knotts and Sheryl Cates of Amarillo, TX, and Laurie Craine of Clayton, NM. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Leigha Knotts-Calder and husband Dave of Amarillo, TX; grandson, Kameron Craine of Clayton, NM; and great-granddaughter, Cali Calder.

JM will be remembered for his love of family, his music, his devotion to ranch life, and the cowboy values he carried throughout his years.