Andover - James Bateson Jr, 89, longtime resident of Andover, passed away April 2, 2018, at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill.

James, born at home on June 24, 1928, to his hardworking immigrant parents, the late James Sr. and Eliza (Smith) Bateson, attended Andover schools his entire life. He graduated from Punchard High School with the Class of 1946. Several years after graduating from high school, James served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his discharge from the service, he married the love of his life, Mary, on April 18, 1954, in St. Lawrence’s Church in Lawrence. He and his wife settled in Andover to raise their family. A very selfless and generous man, James believed wholeheartedly in doing three good deeds a day. Jim had a love for swimming, gardening, and building things with his hands. He built his parents a home from the ground up and built things to surprise his children, such as homemade sleighs or lawn ornaments for the holidays. He was a Freemason who belonged to the St. Matthew’s Lodge. James founded Bateson Enterprises, Inc. and worked as a general contractor until his retirement. He touched many lives in many different circles and was a much loved man who will be surely missed by all who knew him.

James is survived by his beloved bride, Mary K. (O’Donnell) Bateson, with whom he celebrated 64 years of marriage. He is also survived by his six devoted children: his son, Neil Bateson and his wife, Cindy; his daughter, Maureen Barenboim and her husband Jim, his daughter Laurie Bateson; his son, Todd Bateson and his wife, Pat; his daughter, Tammy Barry and her husband, Steve, and his son, Shaun Bateson. James was the proud grandfather to his 10 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 7. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Loring Batchelder; his sister-in-law, Teresa O’Donnell and several nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by his sister Eleanor Batchelder.

Visitation for James will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen. Friends and family are cordially invited to attend. A funeral service for James will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The funeral service will conclude with military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in James’ memory to the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 North Avenue, Haverhill. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is proud to serve the Bateson family.