James E. Bailey, had great sense of humor
James E. Bailey, 88, of Spring Mill Community, Middletown, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 4, 2020, at The Moorings at Lewes. He was born May 14, 1932, in Jersey City, N.J., son of the late James and Ann (Clancy) Bailey.
Jim went to St. Mary's High School in Rutherford, N.J., where he lived before moving to Manalapan, N.J., Minocqua, Wis., and Middletown. He proudly served in the Korean War and retired as a Yeoman Petty Officer Second Class on the USS Tarawa CV-40 July 20, 1960. After retirement from the Navy, Jim completed his education with a bachelor’s degree 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. 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 11 grandchildren; his one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Middletown. Interment with military honors will be held privately at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear. Friends are invited to view Jim's services Tuesday, July 21, at the website below. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Jim's memory to a favorite charity of choice.
Please visit Jim's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
