The American Fork City Council member died Friday morning after undergoing treatment for lymphomic stomach cancer. He was 68.

His daughter, Denise Welcker, said she remembered Cates' love for serving others. As a father, she said, he was patient, kind, involved and supportive.

"Everywhere he went, he touched people's lives and was always teaching something to others. Sometimes in a quiet way," she said. "He was a great example to all of us."

Cates' colleague, Councilwoman Heidi Rodeback, touted Cates' ability to calculate the personal costs of his decisions and make fair choices.

"He was always a gentleman," she said. "He was always very calm and temperate, and he was never quick to reach a conclusion. He'd always take the pulse of both sides of the issue."

Rodeback said Cates served with a particular philosophy in mind: "Never disagree with a man when you're looking him straight in the eye. But stand in his shoes and see what he sees."

Cates began serving on the council Feb. 11, 2003, when he took over for Don Hampton, who resigned. Cates then ran for a permanent seat that November but was not elected. On Feb. 22, 2005, he was again appointed, this time to fill the remaining term of Tom Hunter, who resigned. Cates then won a council seat in November 2005.

He was in the middle of his four-year term when he died.

Cates was involved with the metropolitan water board, historic preservation, the senior citizens center and the American Fork Irrigation Co.

City Recorder Dick Coburn said the council will appoint someone to fill Cates' spot through December. There will be an election in the fall to formally fill his two remaining years.

But his replacement will have big shoes to fill, Rodeback said.

"[Jimmie's] campaign signs said 'Integrity,' " she said. "And he has lived up to that in every word and deed."

sgehrke@sltrib.com