James Marvin "Bee" Bailey

At the age of 68, our friend Bee Bailey, passed peacefully from this world into his final resting place on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Peace at last.
Bee was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. The neighborhood around Lee Elementary was filled with kids that became lifelong friends. Through all the struggles in life that Bee has had, his friends were his lifeline and his family.
He played basketball and baseball at Jackson Central and Council McClure High Schools, then continued to play basketball for Hinds Community College and baseball/basketball for Belhaven University.
After graduating from Belhaven, Bee worked for Woodland Hills Academy as Head Basketball Coach and coached at numerous schools in the Jackson Public School system. He also worked for many years for Dongieux's in Jackson.
Bee had a personality that drew people to him. His good looks, infectious smile, athletic talents and a hilarious sense of humor (that often resulted in pranks and jokes on his friends) made being his friend easy. Bee was also known to be the ultimate "trash talker" to the opposing team, in whatever sport he was playing at the time. Bee excelled in sports, especially baseball and basketball. His years of playing softball with Daniel Purple from Daniel Baptist Church were times he loved and he loved to relive those days with Billy and his friends during visits in the nursing home. The memories of the years he played softball, his teammates, and the friendships he had with them, were some of the best times that he treasured in his life.
The visits, cards, gifts and love from his friends during his years in assisted living and nursing homes were so meaningful to Bee. He loved to have all the cards and notes read to him over and over. Bee cherished the rekindled friendship with his buddy, Doug Noble, when they were hallmates at Harmony Court assisted living and the friendship he developed with "Big Daddy," his roommate at Manhattan nursing home. Special thanks to both these guys for loving Bee and being his voice when he needed assistance.
Bee was predeceased by his parents, Albert Bailey of Hazlehurst and Freda Bailey of Jackson. Survivors: Charles Bailey (brother), Nancy Bailey (sister), Ben (nephew) and Jennifer (niece).
Special thanks to the staff at Manhattan Nursing Home and Care in Home Hospice for providing the care, compassion, love and support that Bee needed and required during a very challenging time for Bee.
Bee will always be remembered for his infectious laugh and a Jimmy Buffet spirit for life. He never complained about his situation or the tough hurdles in his life and always loved his friends. Bee would want us all to remember him this way.
Big Daddy said he and Bee were watching the women's basketball in the Final 4, when Bee spoke his final words, "What's the score?" Well, Bee the final score was:
Death-0
Everlasting Life-Won!!!
Fly high our friend, you're finally home.