James Robert Bailey III

James Robert Bailey III of Louisville passed peacefully August 12th, 2022, surrounded by his loving family as his soul was gently lifted to heaven. He heroically fought melanoma for five months until he succumbed to the disease. James was born and raised in Louisville to the late Virginia and Dr. James Robert Bailey II.
James is a graduate of Seneca High School and received a degree in architecture from the University of Kentucky. James bravely fought for his country with the US Army in the Vietnam war from 1968 thru 1969 and then five years in active reserves.
In his young 20s, James moved to NYC to pursue acting and modeling. He quickly moved to LA to continue his entertainment career. Among many accomplishments he was one of the original "Marlboro" men, host of Remodeling and Decorating Today, along with many roles in movies, soap operas and commercials. Still using his background in architecture, he built and designed homes for the rich and famous.
James moved to Louisville, started Gibraltar Concrete and was involved in many building and developing projects including his own residence.
Here he met the love of his life, before he began his final and most important beloved occupation, a stay-at-home father. This phase of life opened doors to coaching his sons' youth soccer and basketball, snapping infinite photos at their swim, dive, and cross country meets, or baseball games. Nothing made James more proud than cheering on his four children.
James was a dedicated member of Southeast Christian Church, prized member of Audubon Country Club and Lakeside Swim Club, long-time member of Screen Actors Guild, active YMCA member, President of the Reserve Estates of Sleepy Hollow HOA, Member of the Homebuilders Association and Life Member of the UK Alumni Association.
James lived his days to the full. He traveled the world, was a well-known man of character and added loads of life to a party. Vacationing with his family in Hilton Head or on 30A along with many other adventurous locations around the country and world, cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats football and basketball, hosting celebrations of all kinds in his home, or just spending time with his four kids, friends and extended family, fulfilled his soul.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Amy, their two boys, Jake and Josh, his daughters, Cassie and J.J., his loving father-in-law and mother-in-law (Phil & Pam Robertson), sister-in-law and brother-in-law (Keri & Mike Eichberger), nephew and four nieces (Will, Abigail, Kaitlyn, Mallory and Hannah-Kate Eichberger), his brother-in-law, John Robertson, and countless friends.
Visitation will be 3-7 p.m., Friday, August 19, at Pearson's, 149 Breckenridge Ln. The funeral service will be 2 p.m., Saturday, August 20, at Northeast Christian Church, 9900 Brownsboro Rd. with burial to follow at Worthington Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the YMCA of Greater Louisville https://www.ymcalouisville.org/donate or Southeast Christian Church https://www.southeastchristian.org/give on his behalf.
Arrangements under the direction of Pearson's, "Where Louisville Goes To Remember".