James L. Bailey, beloved husband of Joreen Bailey (deceased). Devoted father of James M. Bailey (deceased), Matthew C. Bailey, survived by four grandchildren, five great grandchildren. Passed away Thursday December 27, 2018 at Hospice of Cincinnati. Jim was born March 28, 1925 in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in Terra Haute Indiana. At the age of 16, Jim joined the Navy 6 months before WW2. Jim served first 2 years in the Atlantic then last 2 years in the Pacific where Jim participated in 11 invasions. 1945 to 1950 Jim wore many hats, Great Lakes Longshoreman, Trolley car driver, House Painter. But the best hat Jim wore was marrying Joreen Neighbors in 1947. Their first child James (Jimmy) in 1949. 1950 brought Jim a new job, Cincinnati Firefighter. Jim worked the 1950’s as a Fireman and off day’s working with his father- in – law Harry Neighbors as a plasterer and painter. The 1960’s came with the birth of their second child Matthew. One of Jim’s biggest moments in his life was building a new home for his family in the neighborhood of Hartwell. In the 1970’s Jim continued to work as a fireman, painter, plasterer and even a fence installer. Jim took his family on vacations to Myrtle Beach, Jim loved the ocean. In 1978 Jim retired from the Cincinnati Fire department. 80’s and 90’s Jim and his wife Joreen continued to vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Padre Island and many trips to England, France and Spain. The 2000’s brought Jim grief and heartache. In 2005 Jim laid to rest the love of his life “Reenie”. In 2007 the house that Jim built no longer meant anything to him without his wife, so he sold it and moved to Iowa to live with this son Matthew. More heartache followed in 2009 when Jim had to bury his oldest son Jimmy. Jim continued to live in Iowa till 2014. Then Jim moved back to Cincinnati with his son Matthew. On Saturday December 15, 2018 Jim suffered a stroke and died on Thursday December 27, 2018 at 3:42 p.m. For a man like Jim who started with so many disadvantages, he sure lived one hell of a life!! Visitation will be held at Hodapp Funeral Home, 7401 Vine St., Carthage on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. A funeral procession will follow to Oak Hill Cemetery, 11200 Princeton Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45246 for a graveside service.