John Ramsey Bailey

John Ramsey Bailey, affectionately known as "Johnny," died peacefully at the age of 82, holding hands with his beloved wife, Sharon Diane, in Fresno, California, on June 27, 2025.

Born on October 29, 1942, in Cedar City, Utah, to John Bailey and Rita Renfro, Johnny spent his early childhood in Berkeley, California, with his mother while his father served in World War II. The family later settled in Fresno, where his father worked as a soil scientist supporting agricultural development in the San Joaquin Valley. His mother was a teacher, and both parents instilled in Johnny a lifelong love of learning.

Johnny spent the rest of his youth in Fresno alongside his younger sister, Lynne. A sensitive boy, he quickly learned that a tough exterior and sharp wit were his best armor-armor he worked hard to shed later in life. He was named class clown at McLane High School and became the first student body president to be impeached, the result of what he thought was a hilarious prank.

John attended Fresno State and was a part of the counterculture movement of the 1960's. He had a deep sensitivity to social injustice, which inspired his later career with Proteus Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of farmworkers and marginalized communities in the San Joaquin Valley. He was a dedicated advocate for immigrants and the formerly incarcerated, holding deep respect for their tenacity and resilience.

He also knew personal struggle. His experience with substance abuse brought deep suffering, but his journey through recovery brought healing-and a powerful commitment to making things right with the people he loved. He believed, and lived, the truth that it's never too late to change.

Fitness and strength training were his lifelong passion. What began as a way to feel physically powerful transformed into a steady ritual that brought him joy and extended his healthspan. He was still lifting weights in the backyard until the final weeks of his life, telling anyone who would listen that he'd finally found "the greatest workout program ever!"

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Diane Bailey, whom he adored throughout their 34 years of marriage. He rarely let a day go by without marveling at Sharon's beauty and kind heart. The two of them traveled frequently to Cambria, California, the location of their wedding and the eventual resting place of John's ashes.

He is survived by his children-biological and through marriage-Julian (Brittney) Bailey, Megan (Trevor) Bruce, and Jennifer Day (Jason Graff); his grandchildren Makenna (Andrew) Ford, Braeden, Tiersa, & Ronan Bailey, Nolan, Eamon, & Ehren Graff, and Miles Bruce; one great-grandchild, Benny Bailey; his sister, Lynne (Donald) Dennler; nieces Stephanie Dennler, Christine (Laurence) Cole, and Julie (Michael) Marquardt; grandnephews Andrew & Zachary Marquardt and Dylan Cole; and Sharon's whole family who loved John as one of their own. He also leaves behind many friends.

All are encouraged to honor his memory by having the perfect John Bailey day: sleep in, pray, have a great workout, connect with a spiritual community, offer deep love, appreciate beauty, learn something new, and enjoy a feast for dinner. Bonus points for not taking yourself too seriously and putting an actual mountain of whipped cream on a piece of pie (4:1 ratio).

A memorial gathering and potluck will be held on August 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Alano Club of Fresno, 1350 N. 11th Street, Fresno, CA 93703. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of a man whose bold and kind spirit will be deeply missed.