12/31/2020 2:15:00 PM Private family funeral for James Bailey to be held at St. John's
James S. Bailey, 89, of Stewartville, died on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020 of natural causes at the Stewartville Care Center, where he had been a resident since 2018.
James Sheldon Bailey was born on June 18, 1931 in Waltham, to Charles and Dorothy (Skamfor) Bailey. He grew up in the Austin area and attended school there, graduating from Austin High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army, and following his honorable discharge returned to Minnesota where he served in the Army National Guard.
He was married in February 1955 to Darlene Unverzagt. They were later divorced. He was employed at Red Owl in Austin.
Jim was married in September 1964 in South Dakota. to Kay E. Studer. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Austin for a few years and then Rochester before moving to Stewartville in 1978, where they have continued to make their home. Jim was a longtime employee at Red Owl and then was employed at JC Penneys in Rochester in their sales department until his retirement. Kay was a homemaker and was employed for a number of years at Woolworths in Rochester and then at JC Penneys as well. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Stewartville and a member of the Stewartville American Legion Post 164. Jim and Kay enjoyed camping and RV traveling to many of the campgrounds in southeastern Minnesota. Jim also enjoyed woodworking and following the Minnesota Twins. He loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife, Kay; sons, Ricky (Sheryl) Bailey of Wasioja, and grandchildren, Alan and Kyle Bailey; Sheldon (Robin) Bailey of Rochester and grandchildren, Joshua (Alex) Bailey and Shelby (Daylon) Sample; other sons and daughters from his first marriage are, Kevin (Barb) Manhart; Sherry Hill: Kim (Cindy) Manhart; Tammy (Mark) Brotheridge; grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters, Lois (Wayne) Bates and Ladonna Klapperick, both of Austin; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, baby Bailey, son, Dennis Bailey, brother, Donald Bailey, and his sisters, Inez (Miller) Nunez, and Elaine Ball.
Due to public health concerns, no public service or visitation will take place. A private family funeral service will take place at St. John's Lutheran Church in Stewartville with Rev. Lyle Fritsch officiating. Burial, with military graveside honors by Stewartville American Legion Post 164, will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville.
Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Jim are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com
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