James " Pop" Earl Bailey, of Wilmington, died Sunday, January 25, 2015 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He was born in Boston, MA, July 15, 1924 the son of the late John W. Bailey and Elvira Giambelli. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He worked for NC Natural Gas for many years and was recognized as "NCNG Gas Man" of the year in 1989. He survived by his wife of 72 years Edith Walker Bailey, son James E. Bailey, Jr, daughter Edith Veronica Bailey, grandsons Darron Sims (Gloria) and Chris Sims, and great grandchildren Harrison , Stuart, and Jillian Sims. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6 to 8 PM at Andrews Market Street Chapel. A mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, January 29, 2015 at the Basilica Shrine of St. Mary. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Hanover County Humane Society.
