James Richard Bailey

James Richard Bailey, much Loved and admired husband, father and grandfather was born August 25, 1925 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he graduated from high school in 1943 as a recipient of a college scholarship. He attended the University of Oklahoma for one semester before entering the US Army, trained at Fr. Bragg, N.C. and shipped overseas to Marseille, France in September of 1944. In January 1945, he was awarded the Bronze Star, with valor, and received a battlefield commission as the youngest officer in his division.

He was discharged in August of 1946 and married Margery Henry on September 11, 1946. He returned to college and received his BA in Business Management along with Beta Gamma Sigma and Blue Key awards in 1949. After graduation, he joined the College Life Insurance Company and was a salesman until 1951, when he was recalled into the US Army, where he served in Germany. He rejoined College Life Ins. Co. in 1954 and was hired as the Vice President of Fidelity Union Life Insurance Company in 1955. In 1961, he was appointed Executive Vice President of Mercantile Security Life Insurance Co. and then joined Aetna Life and Casualty in Hartford, Connecticut as National Sales Director in 1972. He retired from Aetna in 1985 and returned to Dallas where he helped one of his sons start a homebuilding business. He served with the Federal Home Loan Bank in their Management Consultant program until 1988, when he was called out of retirement to be the CEO of Aetna International in London, where he served until 1992.

Bailey was active in YMCA work in Dallas in the 70's as a Branch President & Board Member of the Park Cities YMCA and also served as Chairman of Finance Committee and Board Member for the West Hartford YMCA. He was also very active in his West Hartford United Methodist Church, serving as Chairman of the Board and Finance Committees for 12 years. After returning to Dallas, he served at Highland Park United Methodist Church as Chairman of Trustees, President of the Men's Club, and member of the Executive and Finance Committees and co-President of the 2x2 Sunday School class. He was a member of the Dallas Country Club from 1969 until 2009.

He is predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Margery and survived by his three sons, Robert (and Anne), John (and Cathy) and Walter (and Shawn). He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren; Brooks, Catherine and Sophie; Ben, Drew and Jennifer; and Colin; and one great-grandchild: Scarlet. Tammy Miller and Misty McFatridge have become "family members" through their tireless caring for both Bailey and Marge in such a loving manner. The whole family has been blessed with their presence.

We rejoice in having shared the wonderful, full life of this fine man and in the knowledge that he is at peace with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mom's wait is over and they are together again.

His Memorial Service will be held at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Cox Chapel on Friday, May 22 at 2pm, with a reception following the service in the Cox Parlor. Memorials may be made to HPUMC or the charity of your choice.