James O. Dailey

DAILEY, JAMES O., 79 Williston - James O. Dailey, 79, of Williston, died Saturday April 21, 2007 in Pensacola, Florida. He was born January 16, 1928 in Gainesville, Florida and had the distinction of being the first baby born at Alachua General Hospital. He was delivered by his father Dr. Ira A. Dailey of Micanopy. Jim grew up in Micanopy, graduated from P.K. Young in 1946, and attended Emory University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology. While serving his country in the US Army Jim met his future wife, Marguerite Dean. Following their 1952 wedding in Alexander City, Alabama, Jim joined the inaugural class of the University of Miami School of Medicine. He graduated in June of 1956. Dr. Dailey served his internship at John Gaston Hospital in Memphis Tennessee. Upon completion of his internship, in July of 1957, the Dailey family moved back to Florida where Dr. Dailey went into private practice. He then moved his practice to Williston in 1961 where he served the community for over 31 years. Dr. Dailey was more than just the family doctor for the community. He was active with the Alachua County Medical Association, volunteered as the Team Doctor for the Bronson High School Football team, and worked as the Levy County Medical Examiner for several years. He served many years on the Williston Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, and led efforts towards a new hospital facility, today known as Natures Coast. He also served on the Board of Directors for The Village in Gainesville. Dr. Dailey retired from 35 years of private practice in 1992. Dr. Dailey served his community as more than just a doctor. He was very active in the Williston Lions Club. He volunteered and supported the American Cancer Society. As a member of Williston First Baptist church he was an ordained deacon, a leader of the Royal Ambassadors, and served on the many church committees. Jim had two passions outside of medicine, photography and woodworking. As a medical student he augmented the family income by taking family portraits for his fellow classmates. In later years his family became the main focus of his camera lens. However, woodworking was the hobby that he enjoyed best. Dr. Dailey loved building furniture in his workshop. Of all his pieces the cradles he built for his grandchildren are the family's most cherished treasures. Dr. Dailey was preceded in death by his parents Ira A. & Belle Dailey, his wife of 52 years Marguerite Dailey; his sisters Dorothy Marion and Clyde Scales; and his daughter Patricia Mudgett. Trish, as she was known to family and friends, died unexpected after a brief illness on April 7, 2007. He is survived by his sister Marcia (Jim) Wolff; his children Celia (Carl) Dole, Jim (Janet) Dailey, Margaret (James) Neyman and Juliana (Scott) Minium; his son-in-law Donald Mudgett and his 10 grandchildren Stephen, Sarah, Deanna, Danielle, William, Andrew, Edward, Rachel, Matthew, and Hannah. The funeral will be held Friday April 27, 2007 at 10:00 am, with Rev. Tony Clubb officiating at Williston First Baptist Church. Graveside services will be at the Micanopy Historic Cemetery at 1:00 pin that afternoon. The family will receive friends Thursday, April 26 from 6 to 9 pm at Williston First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions can be made to the Trish Mudgett Memorial Fund - a fund set up for Trish Mudgett's children (donations can be made at any Wachovia Bank Branch nationwide, Acct # 1010162792342), or donations can be made in Dr. James Dailey's name to the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine.