Tributes paid to 'gentle giant' and devoted Dad, Jason Bates

Jason Bates was a beloved father and friend to many, who died on May 18, aged 53. 

“Even though Dad lived ten minutes from the town, it would take more like 40 minutes to get there because so many people would say hello to him and they’d stop for a chat,” said Jason’s daughter, Jessica Bates. 

She said her dad was a “gentle giant.” Standing at 6’4 and dressed in his chunky leather jacket, Jason was instantly recognisable. 

“He was so kind to everyone,” said Jessica. “He would help anyone out.” 

Jason Bates was a devoted dad to Abi, left, and Jessica, right. Image: Jessica Bates (Image: Jessica Bates)

Jason Bates and his daughter, Jessica, had a close relationship. Image: Jessica Bates (Image: Jessica Bates)

Jason was born on September 11, 1969, the second of four children. Jason grew up in Felixstowe with his elder sister, Sharon, and two younger sisters, Catrina and Andrea.  

He attended school at the nearby Orwell and Deben High schools, before striking out on his own in Ipswich, aged 16.  

Jason was a man of many talents and worked several different jobs in his lifetime, including as an assistant for a tree surgeon and in the shipping industry at Felixstowe docks. 

In 2001, Jason met his partner of several years, Theresa Clarkson. She had moved to Ipswich from Lowestoft to stay with her auntie, and Jason lived in the house opposite. 

Jason was funny, Theresa said, and immediately “clicked” with her young daughter, Abi.

Jason Bates was a devoted Chelsea supporter. Image: Jessica Bates (Image: Jessica Bates)Jason Bates holding baby Jessica, with Abi standing to the right. Image: Jessica Bates (Image: Jessica Bates)

Jessica loved spending time with her father. Image: Jessica Bates (Image: Jessica Bates)

Jason Bates holding a young Jessica. Image: Jessica Bates (Image: Jessica Bates)

Jason Bates was a much-loved member of Ipswich's biking family. Image: Jessica Bates (Image: Jessica Bates)

Jessica and Jason pictured together. Image: Jessica Bates (Image: Jessica Bates)

Jason became a father to Abi, and the pair had a very close bond. When Abi was little, Theresa said, she would follow Jason about, wanting to go everywhere with him. 

Jessica arrived in 2002. Being a devoted football fan, Jason hit upon the perfect middle name for his baby daughter – Chelsea.  

Theresa and Jason separated after four years but remained good friends. Indeed, when Theresa welcomed her younger children, Jason was very kind to them, too, and they would often spend time together. In fact, it was through Jason that they, too, became avid Chelsea supporters.  

As a father, Jessica said that Jason was always there when his children needed him. 

“He would pick us up from school and take us to the park, or we’d go to a café and have dinner,” Jessica remembered. 

“On Mondays, he’d take us to the museum. He was full of information - he knew something about anything and everything.” 

In his spare time, Jason enjoyed playing football. He also liked gaming, particularly Dungeon’s and Dragons and World of Warcraft. 

He was a popular member of the Ipswich biking family, and leaves behind many friends. 

Jason Bates died on May 18, 2023.