James McKelvey Newkirk Bailey, III

James is survived by his mother, Catherine Goings, his daughter, Britney Owens, and his siblings, Scott Bailey, Blaine Spivey, Dawn McDonough, Dartrese Spivey, Mecheele Harper, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, Micheal Spivey, and his father, "Buddy” Bailey.

Born in Washington DC on September 14, 1966, James’ family relocated to NC when he was a small boy. Throughout his life in Forsyth County, his integrity and light hearted nature fostered life long friendships. He had a genius way of listening and giving advice. He always knew just how to balance sentimentality with a pull yourself up by your bootstraps mentally and fostered those he cared about with the generosity of his many skills.

No one who knew James, or especially worked with him, can forget his hard-working nature, willingness to help friends and family, or ability to solve any problem… all while telling a joke or two. He was an eclectic man with many interests including rad sneakers, pin ball machines, hit and miss engines, nachos, Camaros, and the History Channel.

The last few years James spent his free time helping his daughter Britney on her farm in Martinsville, VA. His first project was tending to the historic family cemetery on the property. He had a soft spot for all things old, taking on projects others might have walked away from. The abandoned farmhouse became an antique puzzle he was determined to solve with reverence and care. Most recently, he had been transforming a collapsing schoolhouse on the property into a gothic cottage to be his crash pad and retirement retreat.

James will be laid to rest at the farm on Saturday, October 18 at 2:00pm. He will be the first resident of Bailey Cemetery, located adjacent to the Bassett Family Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held the following day, Sunday, October 19 at College Hill Sundries, 900 Spring Garden St. Greensboro, NC from 1:30pm-3:30pm.