James E. "Jimmy" Bailey

James E. "Jimmy" Bailey, age 71, of Oquawka, Illinois; passed away at 5:47 am on Sunday morning January 26, 2020 at his residence. Jimmy was born on January 5, 1949 in Canton, Illinois and is the son of James Ray and Bonnie June Light Bailey. Jimmy was raised in Kilbourne, Illinois where he attended local schools and then attended the Pekin High School. Jimmy entered the United States Army in 1968 and achieved the rank of E5. After service he attained his GED and began work with his father James in the Riverside Lumber Company in Pekin where he drove a truck and operated heavy equipment. He also worked with his father on stock cars racing them in Peoria and Freeport, Illinois.  He later drove a truck for Feinberg Scrap Metal in Fort Madison, Iowa. Lastly he drove for Adam Fisher for many years until his retirement. Jimmy loved fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. 

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Sandra of Oquawka, Illinois and their two sons, Andrew and Erinn Bailey of Oquawka, Illinois and Michael and Jessica Bailey of Brazoria, Texas. There are three granddaughters, Morgan Bailey of Nacogdoches, Texas, Drew Bailey and Lily Bailey both of Oquawka, Illinois. Three grandsons survive, Erik and Daniela Bailey of Freeport, Texas, Connor Bailey of Oquawka, Illinois, and AJ and Lynsie of Groton, Connecticut. There are four great-grandchildren also surviving. Jimmy has six sisters surviving, Carol Ann Bailey of Tremont, Illinois, Connie Bailey of Medina Ohio, Cheri and Dave Schmidt of Medina, Ohio, Sheila Dockery and Lisa Elwell both of Pekin, Illinois. Two brothers are surviving, Dave and Retha Bailey of Pekin, Illinois and Randy Bailey of Morton, Illinois and a number of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, one son, James Everett Bailey, Jr., and three brothers.

A memorial service and military honors for James E. "Jimmy" Bailey is planned on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 1:30 pm at Faith Bible Church in Oquawka, Illinois. Cremation has been accorded. Burial of his ashes will be in Pekin, Illinois at a later date. His family plans visitation and will receive their friends from 12:30 to 1:30 for the hour prior to the memorial service at the church. A memorial fund is being established for Faith Bible Church in Oquawka, Illinois. 

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