James Franklin Bailey

June 18, 1933 - March 26, 2018

Bluefield, WV - James F Bailey., 84 of Lebanon St. Bluefield, WV, 24701, passed away peacefully early on Monday, March 26, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Jim, was born on June 18, 1933 to Thomas and Grace Bailey in Dunbar, WV. Then later moved to Bramwell, WV where he graduated from Bramwell High School in 1951. From there he went to Concord College and later enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged as a drill sergeant. Jim, or "Oleboy" as he was so fondly called, soon moved to Bluefield and joined the Bluefield City Police Department where he was a City Police Officer from January, 1958. Jim rose thru the ranks until he retired as a Lieutenant in August 1, 1984. After his retirement, he joined the US Marshall Service where he worked for fourteen years at the Federal Court House under the direction of The Honorable Judge Elizabeth Hallanan and The Honorable Judge David Faber. Jim began his masonic career as a mason, which he was a past master and then went on to become a lifelong Shriner with the Beni Kedem Temple. Jim drove many children to the Children's Shriners Hospital during his Shriner career. Jim was a lifelong member of the Bluefield Elks Lodge #269. Jim is survived by his wife of 25 years, Nancy Isabella Bailey, three children with his first wife, Barbara F. Bailey, his son, James F. (Jimmy) Bailey, II, and wife Cathy of Bluefield. His daughter, Kimberly Croy and husband Brian, of Charleston, SC and his youngest daughter, Norma Jean (Cissy) Bailey, of Bluefield. Jim has four grandchildren that he adored, Brandon Croy, and wife Ashley, of Charleston, SC, Jennie Ann Bailey, Claire Bailey, both of Bluefield and Alexie Grace Croy of Charleston, SC. He has 2 step-children, Matt Pixley and wife Cindy from Fredericksburg, VA, Mary Humphreys and husband, Keith from Roanoke, VA. He also has two wonderful step-grandchildren, Tyler and Clair Humphreys. Also surviving are his brother Lt. Col. Garnett R. Bailey(Ret.) and wife Rita of Fairfax, VA along with his nieces, Suzie Sterrett, husband Jeff from Williamsburg, VA and Becky Bailey Guenther. Jim had many things to be proud but one he was especially proud of was that of his grandson Brandon who followed in his footsteps to become a police officer, first here in Bluefield and then on to Mount Pleasant, SC. Jim enjoyed life by spending his time camping and boating at Claytor Lake and riding his many motorcycles. Jim had a passion for cars and motorcycles and you could always find him by his “OleBoy” license plate. Later in life he would spend it by reading many western novels and watching “Gunsmoke.” The family would like to thank his “Main-Man”, Reverend Jerome Michael Barnes for his care and devotion to Jim. He loved Mike dearly. He was the reason Jim accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. The celebration of Jim’s life will be Thursday, March 29, at Mercer Funeral Home from 5:00 pm with Rev. Rev. Jerome Michael Barnes officiating. Friends may visit with the family following services until to 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, those that wish to do so may donate to Bluefield Shriners Transportation Fund P.O. Box 53, Bluefield, WV 24701 Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home of Bluefield is serving the Bailey family.