James Edward Bailey

Jim,  quickly became “Pop” to all who knew him, including his wife and kids.  He was a larger than life figure to us, and I think, to his friends.   In earlier years his infectious laugh and booming voice usually entered a room before he actually did.  In later years he became more quiet and reflective about life and relationships.  He loved to talk, and told a great story, better than most. He can still be pictured at the kitchen table, with arms behind his head, face thoughtful, and feet up on the nearest chair (much to my mother’s chagrin). He was in his element, and he sagely offered much useful advice, or spun many a tale from this position. Topics could include: the merits of McLendons Hardware Store, how the right tool for the right job was of paramount importance,  whether Ronald Reagan was indeed a great communicator, and whether it was a good weekend to plant his garden.  Sprinkled in were many comments to the effect “Atta girl, or Atta boy”, “Good for you”, and “You were always a good reader”, or “Way to go, we just ask that you do your best”.  Dementia began taking away dad’s cognitive abilities a number of years ago, and his warm advice and humorous stories have been, and will continue to be sorely missed.

Jim was born in Washington, D.C., and attended Anacostia High School, where he played and lettered in football and was Colonel of Anacostia High School Cadets.

After high school he attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he majored in Economics.  He also wrestled for Maryland.

After graduation Jim went to work for the U.S. Department of Labor, and married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Mothershead.  They had three children, Cheryl, Scott, and Steve, and raised them in Clinton, Maryland until 1974, when Jim and his family piled into a fake wood sided station wagon with hamster and dog  in tow, and traversed the country all the way to Seattle, Washington.  He continued working for the US Dept of Labor, in the Manpower Administration, until he retired in 1995.  In 1990,  he welcomed his first grand daughter Teanna, followed by Taisha, Alexa, Zachary, Lindsay, and Leigha.

Family was always very important to Jim, and he is survived also by extended family in Maryland including: Greg Bailey, his nephew, his cousin Toots Richardson and her family, Jimmy and Ray Gemmill and their families, and Pam Moyer and her family.  He was blessed by many friends- his closest friends being Manny and Emma Jean Crupi.  Eating Chesapeake Bay crabs, making ice cream, water skiing, and fishing became much anticipated experiences that he and the rest of his family enjoyed at Bowman’s beach at Cape Leonard.

Jim was always very involved with his children’s sports endeavors and umpired his son Steve’s baseball team. We have vivid memories of dad spreading his arms wide and in a loud voice, declaring “SAFE”, or throwing his thumb in the air, declaring, “He’s outta here”.   He and Nancy chaperoned Scott’s ski school bus for many years, and theirs was “THE” bus to be on.  Many a teen on the bus rolled their eyes in imaginary disgust as they were regaled with another Reader’s Digest Joke.  Jim attended all of Cheryl’s dance recitals, and basketball games and “Go you mighty Peppermill” became a favorite family joke (Peppermill was the other team).   After his grandchildren were born he initially doted on them by taking them to nearby parks. Later on he became a fixture at Lindsay and Leigha’s soccer games, and at Zach’s baseball games.

Jim always loved woodworking, and everything he made was built to last. He made a train table for grandson Zach, a table and chairs for granddaughter Alexa, and a highchair that all his grandkids used.  He collected coins, and got his grandkids started with coin collections.

He loved playing golf and began that sport while in Maryland. He continued playing up at Mt. Si Golf Course after retirement. After a round of golf with his golf buddies, they would undoubtedly end up at Costco where they all enjoyed wolfing down Costco’s infamous Chicken Bakes.

He was also a Guardian Ad Litem for the CASA program (child advocacy) for 15 years, defending the rights of children to a safe home setting.  He secretly longed to be an attorney, so his love of children and interest in the courtroom were perfectly met through his volunteer work in this program.

Life was an adventure with dad around. He tipped over canoes, whooped it up on water skis, fell down ski slopes, ate blue claw crabs with gusto, and drank beer with even greater gusto.  His Irish temper got him into trouble more than once.

The best and greatest thing he did was to love his wife and kids with his whole being.  Because of this, we can love too. We miss you dad.  You are forever in our hearts.

A celebration of his life will be held at:

The Kirkland Women’s Center

407 1^st St., Kirkland, Washington

Parking is available close by at the First Congregation Church.