Obituary of James Nelson Bailey

James Nelson Bailey Age 85 died on Sept 8, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirlee Bailey just six weeks prior. Jim was born in Madison Wisconsin July 28, 1931, son to Olin and Mabel and brother to Patricia. Jim was an extrovert and optimist who loved life. Jim obtained his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin on an ROTC scholarship, while still finding time to be in a fraternity and sing in a barbershop quartet. Jim married Shirlee Snell in Madison, Wisconsin on October 27, 1956, and they had two sons together (Curt and Tom). They had a dedicated and loving relationship and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. Jim had a successful sales engineering career where he combined his engineering skills and natural gregariousness. He genuinely enjoyed learning about his customer's products and proposing highly technical solutions to their problems, while providing entertainment with his seemingly endless supply of jokes. Jim indulged his sons' interests. In the winter he would freeze an ice rink in the back yard on which they played hours of hockey. He owned multiple boats for lots of water skiing, and he had a continual supply of used cars for them to drive. He was a Sunday school teacher who was a favorite among his pupils. Jim and Shirlee were founding residents of Celebration, FL, an innovative Disney community. In 1997, Jim started a seniors group, the Celebrators, which is still in existence today. In retirement, Jim was a hospice volunteer for over 15 years, providing companionship to patients and relief for caregivers. Beloved "FarFar" to his grandchildren, his enthusiasm for life was contagious, and it lives on in all of them. Jim was a believer in the power of optimism and chose an optimistic attitude each and every day. He liked to tell stories about how frustrating and difficult situations could be viewed as "adventures". Jim's last role in life was as compassionate caregiver for his wife Shirlee who suffered from dementia. With this final "adventure" of caring for Shirlee complete, he has now left us to join her. Jim is survived by sons Curt (Jenny) and Tom (Jenny), his grandchildren Ben, Danny, Pippa and Roland, sister Pat Bowers, and nephews Cliff and Perry Bowers. Donations may be made to Seasons Hospice Foundation, First United Methodist Church of Birmingham or the Alzheimer's Association. Please share a memory of Jim by signing his guestbook.