James E. Bailey of Muncie, IN passed away on May 11, 2024 at age 85.

James was born in Summers County, West Virginia on June 9, 1938.  He grew up near the small town of Ballengee, WV and graduated from Talcott High School in Talcott, WV.

As a young man, James moved to Richmond, IN where he met Lorene Brockman, and they were married on September 3, 1960.  They had twin sons Ken and Tim on May 25, 1961.

James worked as a clerk for the US Postal Service for over 52 years in Richmond and Muncie, Indiana.

He worked in construction for a while in West Virginia before moving to Indiana.  He was a woodworker and all-around do-it-yourselfer.  He and his family built the last two houses they lived in, one in Richmond and then in Muncie when the USPS transferred him there.

He was an avid fan of Purdue sports, especially basketball, and Cincinnati Reds baseball.

James was a lifelong, devoted churchgoer, most recently attending Temple Baptist Church in Muncie, IN.  He was a dedicated Christian and served in the church as a deacon and in any way he was needed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edgar T. and Rena J. (Maddy) Bailey, and his brother Charlie W. Bailey.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Lorene (Brockman) Bailey, sons Ken Bailey and Tim Bailey (wife Kris Bailey, son Sean Bailey and daughter Nicole Bailey), and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation and funeral will be held at Temple Baptist Church, 3501 S Madison St, Muncie, IN 47302 on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.  Visitation will be from 10:00 to 1:00 with the funeral service to follow at 1:00.  Burial will be at the Gardens of Memory Cemetery on State Road 3 north of Muncie.

Flowers may be sent to Temple Baptist Church, or, if you wish, a memorial contribution may be sent to the church.