James Earl Bailey

December 20, 1948 - November 18, 2015

James E. Bailey Age 66, of Braidwood, IL passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2015 to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL. Born December 20, 1948 in McComas, WV to Charles (Buddy) and Janice Bailey-Heath. He was then adopted and raised by his grandparents, Charlie and Claudine Bailey. James retired from Caterpillar Inc. after approximately thirty years of employment. He was a member of the Main Street Baptist Church in Braidwood. He was a lifelong fan of drag racing. James was always there to lend a helping hand, whether you were family, friend, or stranger. Surviving are his wife of forty-eight years, Barbara (nee Blevins) Bailey of Braidwood, whom he married October 10, 1967; two daughters, Cathy Bailey of Braidwood and Lori (Dustin) Johnson of Coal City, IL; two grand-daughters, Mariah and Molly Johnson; adopted grandson, Tim Gallagher; brother, Ray (Chris) Bailey of Braidwood; sister, Connie (Daniel) Riggs of Morris, IL; siblings, Bety Walton, Ronnie Bailey, Joyce Noland, Marvin Bailey, Jean Lusk, Ronnie Bailey, Jr., Tammy Bailey, Becky Bailey, Ginger Bailey, Charles (little Buddy) Bailey, Lisa Canter, and Gennie Bailey. Preceding him in death were his parents, Charlie and Claudine Bailey. Visitation will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd. & Crematory, Braidwood Chapel, Monday, November 23, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. with funeral service at 7:00 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following services. Inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the family would be appreciated. For more information and to sign his online guestbook please log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook at R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd. & Crematory. R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd. & Crematory 401 E. Main St., Braidwood, IL 60408 815-458-2336 www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com