James William (Jimmy) Bailie was born September 20, 1951 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, FL after several months of discomfort battling cancer. Jimmy and Virginia Ellen Mugford were married on September 21, 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. He worked as an Optician in Rolla, MO for many years before moving to Palmetto, Florida 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 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 at a later date. A luncheon will be hosted at his sister Kathy’s home in Licking, MO following the burial.
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