James Bailey's Obituary
James Bailey Obituary
My name is James Howard Bailey. I was given by God to Solomon and Minnie Lee Cameron Bailey on July 25, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. From them, I acquired a love of family, good food, and the blues. I attended local Chicago Public Schools, lived both on the west and south side of Chicago, and developed many life-long friendships along the way.
My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work at an early age. Over the years, I delivered telegrams, participated in the construction of various downtown establishments, and worked security detail at Balmoral Race Track and Hot City Lounge. However, in 1987 I became a truck driver. Now, anyone who knows me knows what pride I took in my work. From Boston to Seattle, from Los Angeles to Florida, and all points in between, I was able to see God’s country in a way that few people experience. Like life, the roads were not always smooth, but they always brought me back safely to the ones that I loved.
In my youth, I was married to Delois Shuford, who gave me a beautiful daughter, Dorothy Marie Bailey, along with 2 bonus sons, Chris and Ricky. In turn, Dorothy blessed me with a wonderful son-in-law, Melvin, who shares my profession as a truck driver. We went on to remain an extended family. However, 42 years ago, I fell in love with and married a woman who took my hand and never let go named Sandra Lynne Powell. Those who know her, know of her dedication and love for me that passes all understanding. She is a strong support system without whom I was nothing. Just when I thought life with her couldn’t get any better, God blessed our love with a son, James Howard Bailey II, who blessed us with Heavven Marie (aka, Booga-Wooga), along with a daughter-in-law, Sukena. Sandy my love, it would take more than a lifetime to explain all that you are to me. You have been my light in dark times, and my rock in hard times. For all that you are to me, I love you.
My body may cease to exist, but my spirit never will. In addition to the love of my life and my children, my spirit will always be with my brother, John Bailey; my sister, Jimmi Walker; the two people who gave me their daughter and made me their son, Charles and Barbara Powell; my grandchildren, Heaven, Derika, Deidrea, and Karmesia; and my great-grandchildren, Jeremiah, Carter, and Chassity, and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins. To my sisters Cynthia and Andrea (Roni), big bro loves you. To James Cleveland and Larry Dulaney, you rode many miles down the highway with me (on the phone). To Tony, remember what I taught you and keep the barbeques going. Waiting for me on the other side are many generations, including my brothers Saul and Nathaniel, my sister, Juanita, and my grandson Montra (Trey), so I’ll never be alone.
If I have any last request, it would be to remember me. When you hear that certain blues song, or party in the backyard, think of something about me that will comfort you. Talk about me often, and keep me in the minds of our young people, both present and future. Above all, keep loving each other, and remember, I love you all. Jamie Pesty Loves You!
Love the blues and I remain…….
James Howard Bailey (aka Mr. B.)
Interment: Monday, November 26, 2018
TBA
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