James Ox Bailey

James, known fondly by his friends and family as “Ox”, was born September 28, 1939 in Bertram, TX to Lois Endora Boseman & Woodrow Wilson Bailey. Ox grew up in the Austin area with his brothers and sisters and graduated high school from Travis High School. After school he served in the United States Army. Ox worked for Dover Elevator Company as an elevator technician and then for The University of Texas as an elevator inspector for the majority of his career. He retired in 2020. He married the love of his life, Sandy, in 1977, and was happily married for 41 years, until her passing in 2018.

Ox is survived by his three children- Daughter Stacy Haines, his two sons Chad Childers and Michael Bailey and spouse Jennifer Bailey; three grandchildren and their spouses- Shelby and Marcus Edmondson, Cody and Katie Haines; and Madison and Gage Haughland; and three great grandchildren- Charley and Jaycee Edmondson and Hudson Haughland.

Ox was a lot of things; a self- made man, strong- willed, and a straight shooter, but he was also kind, patient, and generous to those he loved. He enjoyed fishing at the coast and in the pond on his farm. He loved bullfrogs, NASCAR, being outside, and a good chicken fried steak. He also made the best cream gravy in the state of Texas. He was passionate about stock shows, raising livestock, and teaching kids in his community how to do both. He loved spoiling his grand babies, old cars, and watching westerns. Ox was a fighter, a giver, and a spark to all that knew him. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.