James Jacob Bailey

James Jacob Bailey , 87, of Monticello, died on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Whispering Pines Nursing Home, Monticello. He was born September 26, 1923 Indianapolis to the the late Harvey Luther and Bessie Marie (Pritsch) Bailey. His marriage was to the late Ruby June (Ringer) Bailey on June 22, 1949 in Georgia. She died July of 1997. Mr. Bailey served in the US Army during WWII and completed a tour in Dusseldorf, Germany where he recieved the purple heart. He worked as a diesel mechanic his entire life. He lived and worked in Indianapolis until 1964 when he moved his family to Monticello area. He worked for Kenny Implement before moving to Florida. He retired in 1986 from American Freight to Okeechobee, living there until his wife's death in 1997. He then moved to Clanton Alabama, where he lived with his daughter, Nina Kieras and her husband John. He moved back to Monticello area in 2009 and resided in Whispering Pines Rehabilitation center until his death. Mr. Bailey loved working in his workshop and doing word books. He enjoyed spending time with his children and granchildren He is survived by 7 Daughters, Pat (Bill) Rhoades of Martinsville, IN, Jeannie (Don) Tucher of Arcadia , FL, Linda (Don) Barker of Bloomfield, IN, Nancy (Frank) Smith of Logansport, Teresa (John) Gustin of Monticello, Nina (John) Kieras of Clanton, AL, Bess (Jeff) Beach of Pine , CO; Brother, Walter Bailey of Sebring, FL; Sister, Ella Mae Manuel of Sebring, FL; 80 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Connie White; Sons, Butch and Don Bailey; Granddaughter, Pamela Jo White; Sister, Hester Bailey and brothers, Gene and Garland Bailey. Visitation will be from 10am to 11am, Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11 am at the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Messer officiating. Full Military Rites will be conducted at the funeral home following the service. Memorial Donations may be made to the Whispering Pines Nursing Home activity fund. You may sign the online guestbook at www.springerfuneralhome.com