June 21, 2025, 77, Goldsboro —
Just before the midnight hour Saturday night, June 21, 2025, Jimmy Pate, passed away peacefully at his home in Calypso, with his loved ones close at hand.
The Pate family will have visitation at Tyndall Funeral Home from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24. They welcome friends and relatives to the residence at other times. Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 25, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with burial to follow at Calypso Cemetery. The Rev. Nick Nielsen will preside at the services, and fireman funeral honors will be rendered. Flowers are welcome, or memorial gifts are suggested to be made to Calypso Fire Department, c/o Roger Davis, PO Box 56, Calypso, NC 28325.
Born in Franklin, Virginia as William James Pate, he was known by everyone as simply Jimmy. His parents, Gurney Davis Pate and Rachel Lambert Pate, passed away at early ages when Jimmy was but a young boy. At age six, he came to Calypso to live with his grandmother, Jennie Lambert, and was loved, cared for, and raised by her and his uncle, Rodney Lambert, and aunts, Mabel Lambert and Marguerite Lambert
Jimmy had a servant’s heart. Deeply involved in his community, he served on the Mount Olive Rescue Squad and Faison Fire and Rescue Unit, A long time member of Calypso Fire Department, he had served for 20 years as its chief. He had been employed with Mount Olive Auto Parts in his early years, and then he became associated with Royster Clark Farm Supplies. Later he became employed with the Town of Mount Olive in its public works department, all the while he assisted his Uncle Rodney on the farm when needed. Jimmy’s last working years were with the County of Duplin as he served as its fire marshal.
Jimmy was a member of the Calypso Presbyterian Church. We all know that Jimmy was a big cut-up, always having jovial comments with everyone that he encountered. In his own style of being a good neighbor and friend, he will be sorely missed.
Jimmy leaves behind his wife of nearly 56 years, Linda Oates Pate, of the home; three children and their spouses, Lynn P. and Brian Caveness of Castle Hayne, Jill P. and Elwood Garner of Kenansville, and Jim and Ashley S. Pate of Calypso; his beloved grandchildren, Lauren Caveness, Jarrett Caveness, George Garner, Gavin Garner, Landon Pate, and Nolan Pate; and several cousins to include Rodney Lambert, Jr. (and wife, Laura, and daughter, Ali), who was raised to be more like Jimmy’s little brother. Also surviving are the Oates family in-laws, Ann O. Merritt, Martin and Wanda Oates, Steve Oates, Robert and Joy Oates, and Mary Oates; as well as his therapy dog and four-legged companion, “Knucklehead.” Of course, there are many friends and colleagues in fire fighting and emergency services circles in surrounding areas that survive as well.
After many years of being apart, Jimmy now reunites with his parents, Gurney and Rachel Pate; his beloved grandparents, aunts and uncles, and the departed Oates relatives, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and Margaret Oates; and brothers-in-law, J. T. Oates and Johnny Merritt.
The Pate family gratefully acknowledges the kindness and support shown to Jimmy and the family during the sad, long journey that life took him down. They are also very appreciative for Gentiva Hospice, and especially nurse Nikki F. Wolfe, for excellence and professional care.
