James Julius "Jim" Bailey passed away on Monday, March 18, 2019, James Julius "Jim" Bailey passed away; he was 81 years old. Jim lived most of his life in Birmingham, AL. He grew up in the Avondale area of Birmingham and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout while participating in the Boy Scouts of America. He attended Woodlawn High School where we was a member of the National Honor Society and played on the 1955 Jefferson County Championship baseball team. He continued his baseball career at Mississippi State University where he lettered in 1957, '58 & '59. He was a member of an engineering honor society and Sigma Chi Fraternity. Prior to beginning his professional career, he served as the bullpen catcher for the San Francisco Giants and warmed up Juan Marichal (while Willie Mays was their centerfielder). After a brief position with US Steel in Fairfield, he went to work for Vulcan Materials Company where he worked for over 46.5 years. While at Vulcan he served as: plant superintendent, area production manager, area safety manager and procurement team leader. He retired from Vulcan Materials Company in 2010 but most recently spent the last 18-months working for Thompson Tractor. Jim was active in the Avondale / Southside Little League Baseball organization. Was an adult Boy Scouts of America Leader and served on the zoning board of adjustments for the City of Vestavia Hills. He enjoyed running and working out at the Jewish Community Center and participated in several local triathlons while being a member of the Team Magic triathlon team. While residing at Liberty Park, he served as a board member of the homeowner's association. Jim was the only son of Roland & Mary Jo Bailey of Birmingham. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years Marcella Voss Bailey and their three sons: Pat Bailey (Shannon) – Birmingham, AL; Richard Bailey (Kelly) – Ormond Beach, FL & Phillip Bailey (Jason) – Milwaukee, WI. He is survived by six grandchildren: Malley Bailey, Blake Bailey, Grady Bailey, Brooke Bailey, Lucy Bailey & Christopher Bailey. The family will receive guests this Saturday, March 23, beginning at 10AM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (2 Xavier Circle, Birmingham, AL) with the funeral Mass to follow beginning at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the St. Francis Xavier building fund.
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