James Lewis Bailey

James Lewis Bailey, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on January 16th. He died the way that he lived – selflessly and trying not to burden anyone. James gave more than he took to everyone, and he was generous to a fault. He was kind to every person he met, always knew their name, and taught his family the meaning of gentle kindness to all through the simple recognition of each person as an individual.
James was the cherished husband of Karen for twenty-four beautiful years. Together they built a life grounded in love, friendship, partnership, and mutual respect. They each believed wholeheartedly that God had sent each to the other to provide each of them exactly what they needed. James was not only a devoted partner but also a best friend and a source of strength and joy every single day. James and Karen started speaking the day they met when they finally broke the ice realizing they shared the same birthday, and there was not a single morning, afternoon, or evening when they had not spoken since that first day. His last words were checking to make sure Karen was ok.
Twenty-four years ago, James stepped into the difficult role of stepfather for Alexandria Lundberg and Samantha Bagwell, and just recently as Pop-Pops to Aurora and Dawson. After a late start he found the joy (and hardship) of parenting and adored his grandchildren. His last act was building a dojo so he could revisit his love of karate, samurai, and the life of the honorable warrior with Aurora and Dawson. After years of life lessons held in quiet cars when the children were a captive audience, he ended it with one final lesson for Samantha in his last week – "Embrace every opportunity – the world is full of them for the taking, so don't take a minute of it for granted. I want to see you as your journey takes you to amazing places and experiences." His loved ones will continue to embrace every opportunity in his honor and know that he has a seat at the hand of God to enjoy every moment.
He renewed his relationship with his son James II, and took great joy in watching him embrace his potential in Nashville. His workshop is filled with welding and wood-working tools in his support of James II embracing his passions.
James found fulfillment in his work with his best friend, Bill Ferguson, and the infrastructure team at the bank that he loved. Those that knew him understood that nothing came between him and his obligation to get the job done. He also was passionate about flying and finding the best possible deal on every airplane and aircraft part he could buy. He recently renewed his passion for Japanese swords and the Samurai warrior. James would have been one of their finest and most honorable. He also loved renovating homes with his wife. They just completed their last project six months ago, and he declared that he had finally created the perfect home for their life and family.
He is preceded in death by his mother Flo, whom he adored, and whose name graces his Flora Bella home, his brother David Michael, and his son James II who also passed far too soon.
He is survived by his daughters, Alexandria Lundberg (Jonathan, Aurora, and Dawson), Samantha Bagwell (Connor Adams), Jennifer Evans (Fred, Maryanna, Autumn, and Katilyn) as well as his siblings, Carmen, Keith, Remona, and Rene. He leaves behind a legacy of love, caring, and an indelible mark on every single person that met him.
A service to celebrate his life will be held on January 24th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home at 2707 Gallatin Pike in Nashville, TN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Nature Conservancy.