Obituary – James “Jimmy” Bailie
James William Bailie (Jimmy) was born September 20, 1950, in St. Louis, Mo., to Lester and Anna May Bailie. Jimmy passed away from this life on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Tidewell Hospice Care, at the age of 73, in Bradenton, Fla., after several months of discomfort battling cancer.
Jimmy and Virginia Ellen Mugford were married on September 22, 1973, at the Licking United Methodist Church. They were blessed with a wonderful son, Grant Thomas, and daughter-in-law, Jenna.
Jimmy graduated from Licking High School in 1968 before attending Harris Teachers College in St. Louis. After graduation, Jimmy enrolled in the Air Force and then was later discharged with honors in 1970. He worked for his father at the MO Packing and Crating in Ft. Leonard Wood, along with several other family members.
Jimmy worked as an optician in Rolla for many years before moving to Palmetto, Fla., with his wife, Virginia. He then worked in hardware and in RV sales while living in Florida.
Jimmy was born and raised in a very musical family. The family always played music under Grandpa Bailie’s shade tree on Sunday afternoons and in Annie and Lester’s Block Building. This led them to form the “Phoenix” band, which was loved and missed by all. The band performed in surrounding areas and was enjoyed by all.
Jimmy loved golfing, camping, sightseeing, cruises, BBQ’s, gatherings with friends and meeting new people.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Anna May Bailie; his in-laws, Jan and Del Mugford; both sets of grandparents, Joe and Marie Murray and JC and Katherine Bailie.
He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Ellen, and son and daughter-in-law, Grant and Jenna Bailie; and one sister, Katherine Marie Hooper; as well as loving friends and neighbors.
A graveside service for Jimmy will take place Friday, August 16, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Williams Cemetery in Licking, Mo. A dinner will be hosted at Kathy Hooper’s home following the burial in Licking. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfh.net. Arrangements are entrusted to Fox Funeral Home.
