James Grover Bailey

1/18/1949 – 2/28/2023

James Grover Bailey was born January 18, 1949 in Sacramento, CA to Nicholas Edward Bailey Sr and Sarah (Robberson) Bailey. He died at home in Loomis February 28, 2023. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Nicholas Edward Bailey, Jr. He was the 2nd of 7 children and is survived by his siblings Frank (Diane), Doug, Diana (Jon), Penny, and Barbara (Kevin), and many beloved nieces and nephews and their children.

He spent his early childhood in Lincoln, CA, with the family moving to Loomis when he was six. He attended Loomis Union Grammar School, Del Oro High School, and then Sierra College. He had an early interest in art and music, drawing cartoons, playing the saxophone in band, collecting Herb Alpert albums, and folding origami. He learned origami from Japanese American friends in the fourth grade and was fascinated with the infinite intricate designs that could be made from one square of paper. He was always curious and had a love of learning, which he carried throughout his life.

Jim went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree in Criminalistics from UC Berkeley, his father’s alma mater. His first and only job after college was a criminalist with the LA County Sheriff’s Department. He dedicated his life to this work, which he found rewarding and fascinating. He diligently processed evidence, kept detailed reports in his microscopic handwriting, and testified in court. He always had fascinating stories to share, and was generous with his personalized tours. He retired from the department in 2013, after 41 years of service.

After retirement, Jim moved back to Loomis into the home he bought for his mother. He continued to research and expand on his varied interests. He was active with the Davis Origami Club, teaching origami to children at the Loomis Library, genealogy research, supporting local restaurants that he enjoyed daily, teaching himself bluegrass banjo, continuing his microscopy studies, stubbornly holding onto his beloved Linux operating systems, and continuing his daily spiritual practice and research. He delighted his family with personalized origami and original greeting cards.

He was strongly spiritual from young childhood. Shortly after starting his career, he discovered the principles and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith, which resonated deeply with him. That began his lifelong research, service and devotion to the Bahá’í Faith. After his law enforcement retirement, he opened a Bahá’í reading room in Penryn, providing single-handed service to his religious family and seekers daily throughout his “retirement.” He became a religious scholar and irreplaceable resource to his Bahá’í community.

Jim was a man of many interests and talents, a dedicated servant of God, and a devoted family member. He was a kind and gentle soul who touched the lives of many people throughout his life. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him. He is greatly missed.

If desired, contributions in his name can be made to the Friends of the Loomis Library, 6050 Library Road, Loomis, CA 95650 and would be received with love.