James E. Bailey's Obituary
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James E Bailey, age 88 of Spring Mill Community, Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2020 at The Moorings at Lewes. He was born on May 14, 1932 in Jersey City, NJ, son of the late James and Ann (Clancy) Bailey.
Jim went to St. Mary's High School in Rutherford, NJ, where he lived before moving to Manalapan, NJ, Minocqua, WI, and Middletown, DE. He proudly served in the Korean War and retired as a Yeoman Petty Officer Second Class on the USS Tarawa CV-40 on July 20, 1960. After retirement from the Navy, Jim completed his education with a BA followed by a Master's Degree in Business Adminstration. He maintained a successful career as a transportation manager for several large corporations until he retired. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus, as well as a Parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Middletown, DE. He loved to listen to music, golf, bowl, and go fishing.
Jim had a wonderful sense of humor, which he passed down to his children. One song he would have liked is Go Rest High on That Mountain, by Vince Gill: “Oh, how we cried the day you left us. We gathered round your grave to grieve. I wish I could see the angels’ faces when they hear your sweet voice sing.”
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Patricia A. Bailey; his grandson, Sean O'Brien; and his sisters: Ann Kowalkski and Patricia McInerney. He is survived by his children: Susan Piccoline (Bob), Maureen Tilbury (Gary), Diane O'Brien (Matt), James Bailey, Jr. (Yvonne), Terry Mulvanerton (John), and David Bailey (Lisa); his eleven grandchildren; his one great-granchild; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Middletown, DE. Interment with military honors will be held privately at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE. Friends are invited to view Jim's services on July 21, 2020 on this website.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Jim's memory to a favorite charity of choice.
Please sign the online guestbook located on the tribute page.
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