James Edward Bailey

James Edward Bailey, 89, of Louisville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, in the late evening hours of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Baptist Health Louisville.

He was born on December 24, 1936, in Louisville, a son to the late Ollie Lee Bailey and Mary Elizabeth Toomey Bailey.

Jim's father passed away at a young age, leaving his mother to care for her thirteen children. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps serving his country with distinction from December 1954 until January 1956, when he was honorably discharged.

Jim was a former general manager for B-G Moving & Storage and Grover's Moving & Storage from where he retired. He was a longtime and active member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church where he was president of the Men's Club. James was a dedicated volunteer for the Kentucky Derby Festival for 43 years, having been twice honored as the Thoroughbred Volunteer of the Year.

Jim enjoyed fishing and loved listening to music, but his greatest joy in life was making memories with his family.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his siblings, Jack, Jane, Russell, Sharon, Joe, Frankie, Dorothy, Mary, Alice, Nancy, Bobby, and his grandson, Bradley Wibbels.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Barbara Ann Noe Bailey; his brother David "Bobo" Bailey; his children, Tim Bailey (Dianna), Sherlyn Beamus (Jerry), Tangela Wernert (Jeff), and Jeff Bailey. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jessica Cohen (Jason), Erin Getz (Michael), Jillian Stewart (Tyler), and great-grandchildren, Blake Corbett (Morgan), Max Cohen, and Lucy Cohen; William James Getz and Sawyer Anne Stewart; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday, February 23, 2026, at St. Agnes Catholic Church; 1920 Newburg Road, Louisville, Kentucky, with burial to follow immediately afterwards in Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the beginning of Mass at the church.

Memorial gifts may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church; 3511 Rudd Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky 40212 or https://www.goodshepherdchurch.us/giving-1