James Michael "Mike" Bateman

James Michael "Mike" Bateman, 54, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully at Bronson Methodist Hospital on October 9, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.

Mike was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on May 1, 1966 to Lloyd and Anne (Holtzclaw) Bateman. He was a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, graduated from Pennfield High School, Kellogg Community College, and would have completed his studies in HVAC in December. Mike was employed at Beech & Rich, S&S Plastics, M-66 Bowl, until he formed his own lawn care and plowing business.

Mike enjoyed music, especially Pink Floyd, drag races, Lake Michigan and sports, especially Michigan State and the Green Bay Packers. He liked gardening and plants and could make anything grow. Most important to him were his family and friends. Mike was a loving, supportive son and loyal friend. Mike was a kind and giving person, always ready to help anyone. He was a donor for Gift of Life.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Jerie (Taylor) Bateman on April 12, 2016; paternal grandparents, Lloyd and Mildred Bateman: maternal grandparents, Eldonna and Milton C. "Jack" Lomire and Frank Holtzclaw. Surviving are his mother and stepfather, Anne and Phil Dykhouse of Battle Creek; father, Lloyd Bateman of Kalamazoo; stepsisters, Michelle (Ed) Yiu and Amanda (Marc) Ferraro of Kalamazoo and Jill (Doug) Wood of Stevensville; an aunt, uncle and several step-nieces, nephews, five cousins; and special friends, Jerry, Jodie, George Ed, Mitzi and Wanda.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of the Critical Care Unit and Pastoral Care at Bronson Methodist Hospital for all their care and kindness. God bless you all.

Friends will be received 3:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where a funeral service will be officiated by R. Robert G. Muirhead 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2020. Committal and interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015. Please visit www.farleyestesdowdle.com to leave a personal message or story for Mike's family.