James "Jim" Leon Tate

James “Jim” Leon Tate (92) from Topeka, KS has gone to be with his Lord and Savior in heaven on July 18, 2025.

Jim was born in Manchester, TN on March 12,1933 to Francis and Vera (Crosslin) Tate. They precede him in death. He loved his Tennessee heritage as a “plowboy” helping work his parent’s family potato farm and tending his horses and many pet dogs. He also had a huge passion for playing basketball. He lettered in his 1951 and 1952 high school years. He was starting point guard for his senior season state championship team.

Jim served his country proudly in the United States Air Force. And no surprise, he continued playing basketball within the service on special unit teams.

Jim then established his home in Kansas with a career at Santa Fe railroad. Jim started a “side job” that became his calling starting a fishing bait and tackle business that began in Meridan. Most will recognize it as Tate’s Bait, located in north Topeka. Many fishermen and their families frequented his humble shop creating lasting memories including free bubble gum for the kids and grandkids from 1975 to 2003. WIBW radio Kelly Linds would frequently call Jim Saturday mornings on his show asking Tate “where are they biting?” Jim loved the opportunity to visit with his patrons that he commonly called his people and share his love for his Lord.

Jim is survived by his wife, Geraldine (Geri) and her children, Janet (Dave) Powell and Bruce (Rita) Anschutz. Jim is preceded in death by his previous wife, Margaret, his sons, Bradley and Derek, Jim’s two sisters, Leola (Bob) Justice, and Edith Clayton. Jim was blessed with five grandchildren, Megan (Bob) Holmes, Kris (Lauren) Powell, Courtney (Brandon) Bressler, Jonathan (Jessica) Anschutz, and Marissa (Tony) Malleck. He also had the benefit of five great grandchildren, Mason and Avery Holmes, Evie and Jamin Anschutz, and Blake Powell.

Jim very much believed in furthering God’s saving ministry through his local church. Memorials can be made to South Knollwood Baptist Church Topeka, Kansas.

His family will greet friends and relatives on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at South Knollwood Baptist Church, 1813 SW 29th Street, Topeka, KS 66611. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66605.

To leave a message for his family, please see the guestbook below.