James “Jim” Michael Bailey, 80, of Portsmouth, OH, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Born in Portsmouth on November 4, 1945, to the late Frank and Eileen Bailey, Jim will be best remembered for his quick wit, service to others, contagious smile, and inability to remember a name.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Bailey, lovingly deemed “a saint” for being married to Jim, four daughters, or as he called them, “Jimmy’s Angels”: Jaime Madden (Paul) of Portsmouth, Julie Dunning (Tim) of Cincinnati, Jan Bailey of Portsmouth and Katie Shadle (Jon) of Springboro. Jim was a proud Pappaw to 13 grandchildren: Connor, Emma & Lillian Madden; Will (Shannon), Luke, Olivia & Lila Dunning; Millie, Addie & Archie West; Ford, Britton & Hayden Shadle and became a great-grandfather just 3 days before his passing to his 1st great-grandson, Charles John (CJ) Dunning. Jim is also survived by his sister, Sara Kaye Musgrove (Mike) of Wheelersburg, sisters-in-law, Candi Bailey of Panama City, FL, Mary Kay Pennington (Pete) of Chillicothe, Sharon Patrick (Bob) of MI, Lynn Ford (William) of Columbus and brother-in-law, Tom Ford of Las Vegas, NV. “Uncle Jimmy” is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, John Bailey, sister, Margaret Ann Endicott (Bailey), brother-in-law, Glenn Endicott and nephew, Glenn “Frankie” Endicott. He is a 1964 graduate of Wheelersburg High School and member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Jim joined the Portsmouth Fire Department in 1968 where he served as a Lieutenant Firefighter. You may remember him driving “The Mack” in Portsmouth holiday parades throughout the years. During his 38-year career, Jim lead countless firehouse tours for local elementary students earning him the title of “coolest dad” by his daughters. Jim also took considerable pride in stringing Christmas lights throughout the tree-lined streets of Portsmouth across many holiday seasons.
A veteran of the US Navy, Jim served during the Vietnam Era from 1964-1967. He was extremely proud of his service and lovingly talked about his time in the Navy. He was a member of the James Dickey Post 23 American Legion and had a soft spot in his heart for veterans. Jim exemplified this in his work with the Jim Saddler Nursing Home Veterans Program where he helped raise funds for Christmas gifts for disabled veterans in Scioto County.
Jim was a Member of the Knights of Columbus serving as the 4th Degree Assembly Commander. He also worked as the manager of the Knights of Columbus for over 25 years where he was always recruiting new members.
Jim provided maintenance services for the local McDonald restaurants for over 45 years. A side job he acquired in the early 1980’s after receiving and returning excess change for his McDonald’s order. Just one example of the honesty and integrity he lived by.
Jim was a devoted supporter of The Notre Dame Schools and a member of The Notre Dame Athletic Association for over 20 years. He took immense pride in watching his children and his grandchildren play NDHS sports. He was his grandchildren’s greatest fan.
Jim was a tireless volunteer who put the “fun” in fundraiser. Whether he was ringing the Salvation Army bell at Kroger every holiday season or selling tips to raise money for the next great cause, Jim could convince you to part with your last dollar. The phrase “It’s for the kids” became synonymous with Jim Bailey and will undoubtedly be his legacy among the community he loved so dearly.
A mass of Christian Burial will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Stephen Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Portsmouth, where graveside military rites will be provided by the American Legion, James Dickey Post #23 along with a Last Alarm Service performed at the cemetery by the Portsmouth Fire Department Honor Detail. A visitation for friends and family will precede the mass from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth Is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Notre Dame Athletic Boosters. (Remember…. it’s for the kids) 2220 Sunrise Ave, Portsmouth, OH 45662 or SOMC Hospice.
A special thank you to SOMC Hospice and SOMC Hospice nurse, Pam Stacy, for taking such wonderful care of Jim and his family during these last few weeks
