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Jack Bailey Obituary
May 7, 1923 - January 28, 2010
Jack Bailey, 86, died at home in Studio City after a battle with cancer. Happily married for 56 years to his devoted wife, Wanda, he also leaves son, Matt, and daughter, Madeline.
An Oregon native, Jack joined the Navy at 17, and served in WW II aboard the aircraft carrier Lexington, until she was sunk during the Battle of the Coral Sea. He graduated from USC with a BA in English and then spent 16 years in aerospace during which time he wrote two novels loosely based on the industry. Critically praised, they unfortunately cost him his career.
A lifelong car enthusiast, Jack later went into the automotive repair business and continued writing, earning distinctions in the prestigious Chesterfield and Nicholl screenwriting competitions.
Jack was admired for his wit, intellect, talent and kindness. He will be missed.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jack Bailey
Sponsored by The Bailey Family.
Scrappy
June 17, 2024
My love, my love, I miss you every day. Hope to be with you soon
Elenore Bafus
February 9, 2016
Jack and my deceased husband, Raymond Bafus, were close friends while attending high school i Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. His sister, Julia and I were also friends. I have wonderful memories about them both.His wife, Wanda, and I communicate often and we both treasure the connection our husbands shared for many years.
Elenore Bafus
Edmonds, WA
February 7, 2016
Hi Dad - I'm working the problem. XXXOOO
Peggy Ciriako
January 28, 2014
Sweet memories of a wonderful man. You are missed. Thank you for being so nice to me and my family. Love you.
Madeline Bailey
January 28, 2014
I miss you, Dad.
Alexandra Beatty
February 9, 2011
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Bailey's passing, he was my mother's first husband. I heard many interesting stories about him growing up, and after my mother passed away in 1991, I found a stash of old letters he had written. He was eloquent and witty, and seemed like a very interesting guy. My mother was Patricia Robbins, who went on to write historical fiction books for children, it seems they both shared a passion for the written word. My condolences to his family, I am certain he will be missed.
-------Alexandra Beatty, Riverside, California
August 11, 2010
Galen
April 9, 2010
Wanda Bailey
Greg Beal
March 25, 2010
My condolences to the Bailey family.
I probably first read one of Jack's scripts in 1994 when The God Daughter advanced to the Nicholl semifinal round. He entered the Nicholl competition most years between then and 2009, advancing to the semifinal round three additional times and to the quarterfinal round three times. Only a handful of writers have advanced in the Nicholl competition on seven separate occasions. Jack was also the oldest writer ever to advance to the Nicholl semifinal round when he did so with Scorpion's Dance in 2007. He was a masterful writer.
I've also enjoyed reading Jack's posts on Zoetrope over the years. I know how helpful he was to other writers and know too how much he will be missed.
jeff spiegelman
February 23, 2010
mr bailey had an amazing gift to create humor out of any situation. his 'take' on life experiences could always make you smile. for this as well as the friendship of his equally funny son, matt, i am very thankful to have known him. G-d bless you mrs bailey, matt and madeline.
Robin Whitney
February 8, 2010
So sorry for your loss. From Mad and Matt's friends in Park City, Jim and Robin Whitney
Mary Stewart
February 7, 2010
Wanda,Mad,& Matt,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and i would just like to express my condolances to you and your family at this most sad time.Please dont hesitate to call should there come a need that i can fill. I would be more than glad to do so. May God bless you and your family.
Marlyn Mason
February 7, 2010
Dearest Wanda, my arms go around you and hold you close. It brings comfort to me to know that as long as I think of Jack he lives on and maybe, in time, it will bring some comfort to you, too. The mere thought of your dear man brings smiles and giggles. Would he have had it any other way?
Love to you, dear lady.
Marlyn
Alan C. Baird
February 7, 2010
I never met Jack in person, but he was an inspiration to me and many other writers at Zoetrope.com. I can't stop thinking about him.
http://www.9TimeZones.com/bailey.htm
Traci Streifer (Wennerholm)
February 7, 2010
Mrs. B., Mad and Matt,
Your family meant so much to me during those turbulent teenage years, and I remember Mr. B. as a loving father, a talented writer, and a thoughtful and funny man. I know he will be missed by all, and we who were fortunate to have known him are so much the better for it. My deepest sympathies for your loss, and my thanks for sharing a piece of him with me.
Jason Kast
February 7, 2010
Great guy, brilliant thinker. If he posted it, I would read it...
Take it easy, Jack, and my heartfelt regards to the Bailey family.
Jeff Coleman
February 6, 2010
In the next life folks are laughing and listening to some great stories right now! Growing up with Matt and Mad, Jack was the typical Dad that you didn't screw with if you wanted to live to tell the tale (figuratively anyway) but he was a genuine stand up guy and a hoot to hang out with. He leaves us all a bit better for having shared his wit and wisdom. Cheers Jack!
Tammy Rosato
February 6, 2010
I am just realizing that Jack & I shared the same birthday. I can only hope that my life will be as long & filled with so much love! Love, Tammy
Vicky Heatley
February 6, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 1999 6:10 PM
From: "Jack Bailey"
To: Vicky
Hi Vicky,
Finally got the decks cleared a bit and am reading your interesting
screenplay. Notes soon. Have a good weekend.
Happy Easter.
Jack
I can't believe that I saved his emails. He was instrumental in his advice and help to a fellow writer and I'll always, always think of him dearly and I'll miss him so much. I always knew when a Jack Bailey script was posted at Zoetrope that I could read STORY and sit back and enjoy the read.
His legacy to writers was his kindness, generosity and his humor.
Gosh, Jack if you're listening - I miss you a whole bunch.
Cynthia Webb
February 6, 2010
I only knew Jack via the Internet, but he was unfailingly kind and helpful to this aspiring writer.
He was also a heck of a rip in the online writing community.
My sincere condolences to his beloved family.
Brad Lyonn
February 6, 2010
Jack:
I only knew you on line through the Zoetrope Web Site. But I enjoyed that rapport as much as many face-to-face friendships that I have had.
We exchanged a number of screenplay reviews, and I always treasured you insight.
I appreciated that we shared a number of views, both political and regarding cars and Jack Daniels.
Your wit when posting on the forums was unique and will not soon be replaced.
I miss you my friend, but I am sure you are in a better place.
Vicky Neal
February 6, 2010
Jack was a witty, inspirational man who will be sadly missed by many of his fellow writers whose lives he touched to great degrees. I miss him very much already. My heart goes out to his family.
Laura Maurizi
February 5, 2010
He sounds like a great guy, Mad. The mark he made on the world is evident in everything you do. A Father's greatest gift to the world is his children, and you do his memory proud. You will miss him, and grieve for the loss of his physical presence, but if you pause, and listen, I believe that you will always be able to hear him. Love is eternal. Laura
David Urquhart
February 5, 2010
Wanda, Mad and Matt, I am so sorry about Jack's passing. I so enjoyed spending time with the Bailey family. Such great conversations and laughter, Jack I'll miss you. Love David
Lisa & Dexter Warren
February 5, 2010
Madeline & Wanda, Dexter and I are honored to have known Jack. He was such a bright spot and kind soul. We loved chatting with him at your annual Christmas party and he would always have a witty and hilarious comment (especially during the White Elephant gifting). He was blessed to have such a wonderful family and we are grateful to have known him and will carry his memory with us.
Galen Yuen
February 5, 2010
Jack, you'll be truly missed. To a wonderful friend and writer.
Geri Miller
February 5, 2010
Dearest Bailey family -
I was lucky enough to share a part of my life with you all and have especially fond memories of Mr. Bailey's sense of humor and stories. I was always struck by the love and closeness of your relationships and know that you'll all call upon that now in this very sad time. Keep him in your memory and he'll never leave you.
Love to all,
Geri
Matt Bailey
February 5, 2010
Daddo, thank you for being such a good father. Whatever good there is in me is the result of my upbringing. I miss you more than words can say. Love, Matt
Lyn
February 5, 2010
Mad,
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Your dad looks just like I pictured him! And his name was Jack, a great name for a great man, I'm sure!
You are amazing, your strength is inspirational, your parents are lucky to have you as their daughter.
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
February 5, 2010
Mad,
Your Dad sounds like a wonderful man.
I think a lot of him rubbed off on you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Di
Madeline Bailey
February 5, 2010
Love you, Dad!
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