James S. Bailey

James S. Bailey, 89, of Stewartville,MN died on Sunday (December 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,MN to Charles and Dorothy(Skamfor) Bailey. He grew up in Austin,MN area and attended school there, graduating from Austin H.S 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, MN.  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 long time 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 Pennys as well.  He was a member of St. Johns 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 SE Minnesota. Jim also enjoyed woodworking and following the MN Twins. He loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

James  is survived by his wife – Kay and sons – Ricky(Sheryl) Bailey of Wasioja,MN 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 1st marriage are; Kevin(Barb) Manhart; Sherry Hill: Kim(Cindy) Manhart; Tammy(Mark) Brotheridge: also grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Sisters – Lois(Wayne) Bates and Ladonna Klapperick both of Austin,MN 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 services or visitation will take place. A private family funeral service will take place at St. Johns 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 F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Jim are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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