Jonathan Lee Bailey

Jonathan Lee Bailey
Jonathan Lee Bailey passed away on August 5, in Seattle. He was born in Sault St. Marie, Michigan to Blaine Douglas and Marylyn Elaine (Gustafson) Bailey on April 16, 1950.
Jon graduated from DeTour Area High School in Michigan in 1968. He enjoyed a stellar baseball career through his high school years culminating in an offer to sign with Cincinnati, turned down due to the likelihood of being drafted during the Vietnam war. He worked briefly in Texas doing construction prior to joining the Navy.
He served as an air traffic controller through the Vietnam war and throughout his career with postings in the Philippines, Alaska and Whidbey Island, Washington. He married Pamela Abrahamse who served those years with him.
He retired and settled in Cle Elum until he met his current wife, Judy. They settled in Ellensburg, Washington, while he worked for Kittitas Reclamation District. He then assumed self-employment as a well driller in Michigan, taking over his father's company. He returned to Ellensburg with an offer as a supervisor for Westside Irrigating Company.
He was such a goofball, he cracked terrible jokes and his laugh was contagious. He loved telling stories, especially to his grandchildren and loved raising his labs. He had piercing blue eyes, giant paws and the best bear hugs...his distinctive voice will be remembered. His love of hunting elk and deer came second only to his devotion to wife Judy and family.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, sons; Blaine Douglas Bailey II, Seattle, and Erik Martin Bailey, Whidbey Island. Stepchildren; John VandeWorfhorst, Marysville, Travis Staloch, Ellensburg, Donna (Shane) Dedrick, Wisconsin, Jared Staloch, Ellensburg and Ronette (Josh) Cochran, Mississippi. Siblings; Theodore Blaine (Ruth) Bailey, Arizona, Robin Joy Bailey-Webb, Michigan, Raechel Gay (Edward) Kolb, Colorado, Nancy Jean Bailey, Michigan, Daniel Arnold (Mary) Bailey, Michigan, Rebecca Sue Bailey, Michigan, Amanda Christina Bailey (Arizona). Sister-in-law Jeri (David) Porter, Roslyn, WA and four grandsons; Joseph, Matthew, Alex and Connor; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by both parents and by his brother Benjamin Carl Bailey.
A Celebration of Life potluck will be held on Sunday, August 12, from Noon to 3:00, at the
Adult Activity Center, 506 S Pine St., Ellensburg.
Memorial donations can be made in Jon's honor to Brookside Funeral Home 101 E. 2nd Ave, Ellensburg, Washington 98926, to help with funeral expenses.
Jon was a man among men. A walking cliché of the hunting mountain man. A giant in all respects...stature, personality and heart.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brooksidefhc.com.