I worked with Jim at the Engineering firm Dewberry in Fairfax, VA. One fond memory was when Jim joined us co-workers for skiing at Blue Knob, PA. I was the only one who never skied before. He went on skiing like everyone else, then he came back to check on me. I was taking off my rental skies and decided to just wait until everyone was done for the day. Jim would not hear of that and spent several hours teaching me the fundamentals. Then he went back out once I was able to go out on my own.

I met Emerson a few years ago at a vegan potluck and it was always a pleasure to see him at Whole Foods. He had some great stories, delicious recipes to share, and was always kind to me. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May you find comfort in the happy memories you shared. He will be missed.

I knew Emerson from the vegan meetup group. A few weeks back we both joined a plant-based potluck meetup. When he heard that someone there was from the NY area he immediately asked who could name the five boroughs of New York City and then went on to challenge everyone with more trivia questions. In no time he had everyone eating out of his hand! Even though he only met the people there that one time, he made quite an impression. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know him.

I'll miss Emerson's massaged baby kale salad, his card tricks, and his low-key, self effacing manner at the Solterra pot-lucks. Can't believe he won't be walking in the door in July!

Jim (Emerson) and I shared a passion for animal rescue. "Gavin", Jim's wonderful rescued Greyhound, was Jim's heartchild. For years, I rarely saw Jim minus Gavin, and Gavin was never without his doggie bed. When Gavin went further on his Journey, Jim's heart followed his boy. Now, in the midst of the deep sorrow over Jim's passing, those of us who love him might recall the sweet legend of the "Rainbow Bridge". Pets cross a Bridge of rainbows to the Summerland, where they are healthy and happy, and where they await their beloved human's arrival, at the end of the person's earthly life. And who can say there was not, early last Monday afternoon, a swift and strong racing grey, incandescent with joy and welcome, running across the Rainbow Bridge to greet his Daddy, and to guide him back across the Bridge, to live forever, together, by the water, in the Land of the Smiling Sky? Mia Austin-Scoggins

I have many fond memories of dear Emerson. He was a regular at Triangle Vegetarian Society events and I know that he was quite regular with meetup groups. He was very approachable, humble, and kind, and, though he had significant wisdom and knowledge of veganism and many other matters, he never used it to diminish others or raise himself above others. I will miss his warm demeanor and gentleness. I share my heartfelt condolences to his family.

My name is Robyn and I am a member of a couple of Raleigh vegan Meetups. "Emerson" which was how he introduced himself, was a wonderful human being. How I will miss him and is always-amazing kale salad. No one could make it quite like him, and he taught me the secret of roasting garlic before using it in salad dressing. My sincerest condolences to the family, Emerson will be greatly missed.

Lit a candle in memory of Robert Jim Emerson Bates

Emerson will be sorely missed by his local vegan/vegetarian friends! He was a regular, and always came with a smile, jokes (usually bad ones, lol), and always ready to give advice and do a card trick. I will personally miss him very very much!

I didn't know Emerson well, but enjoyed talking with him when he shopped at the spice shop where I used to work. My children were small at the time and absolutely LOVED his special Whole Foods Ranch dressing, more delicious and different than the bottles sold in-store. He sent me the recipe for Christmas in 2012, and I've thought of him every time I've made a batch. I looked him up today to see if, after all these years, I could contact him, and am so sad to find his obituary. He was a special guy and made a difference in so many lives. Silly as it may seem, our whole family's favorite dressing is his carefully-guarded recipe! He won't be forgotten.

I met Emerson through the vegetarian meet-up. I always enjoyed his company. He taught me how to play cribbage. Rest in peace.

I knew Emerson through the vegetarian and vegan meetup group. He was a kind and gentle person who cared about animals and people. Also a great cook. He will be missed by many. My condolences to his friends and family.

He taught me too, David. When we were at the coast working on the damage from Hurricane Irene, he always seemed to be able to tell when I was getting tired and he's say "Let's play a round of cribbage." Two games was just the right amount of time for me to get my second wind. Betsy Bates