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James Bailey

1935 - 2025

James Bailey obituary, 1935-2025, Santa Rosa, CA

BORN

1935

DIED

2025

James Bailey Obituary

James Donald "Jim" Bailey passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, in Santa Rosa, California. He was born on July 13, 1935, in Elk River, Minnesota, to Don and Ita Bailey.

Jim began his education in the one-room Meadowvale District No. 28 schoolhouse and later graduated from Elk River High School with the Class of 1953. He went on to serve his country with distinction for 20 years-four years in the United States Navy followed by sixteen years in the United States Air Force. His military career took him across the globe and earned him numerous commendations.

In 1975, following his retirement from the Air Force, Jim and his family relocated from Omaha to Healdsburg, California, to be near Sharon's family. He then transitioned into a career in real estate before working in production roles at Optical Engineering and Optical Coating Labs, Inc. (OCLI).

Jim and his beloved wife Sharon (Randolph), who preceded him in death, shared 55 years of marriage. Together, they enjoyed traveling with their fifth-wheel trailer and were active members of Good Sam and a local RV group known as The A-Team.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marian; and a brother, Glen. Jim is survived by his children: Jimmy (Lori), David, and Lynda (Tom); grandchildren: Matthew (Kayla), Katie (Chris) Seeliger, Tyler McDowell, and Tucker Pinochi; and great-grandchildren: Oliver and Theodore.

At Jim's request, no funeral will be held. Donations in his memory may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

He was loved by family and friends and will be greatly missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Oct. 16 to Oct. 19, 2025.

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Kathy Glaser-Standifer

October 16, 2025

I worked with Jim while at Lasercraft Optical Engineering he always brought his playful personality to work which always made the work place more pleasant and for the time to pass quicker. Everyone there loved Big Jim!! I know he will be missed dearly by his family who loved him so much! Our deep condolences, Kathy and Bruce.

Leslie Holman

October 16, 2025

So sorry for the loss of your father, a man of many talents who gave so much to his family and friends. Blessings to you

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