Pastor James Douglas Bailey of Edinburg, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord late Friday night, November 3, 2023, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Simpsonville, South Carolina. He was 78.
James is preceded in death by his first wife, Judith Carolyn Comer Bailey, his parents, Sam Henry and Mary Emma Keen Bailey, and his brother, Kenneth Sam Bailey. He is survived by his second wife, Patty, and his children, Tami Bailey Nantz (John) of Simpsonville, SC, and Jonathan Paul Bailey of Edinburg, VA. His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren: Anna Nantz (Greer, SC), and Josiah, Karalynn, and Neveah Bailey of Edinburg, VA; his sisters, Mary McCollum (Mac) and Nan Strickland, both of Reidsville, NC, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Pastor Bailey was born on January 10, 1945, and was saved at the age of twelve years old. He was a graduate of Reidsville High School in Reidsville, NC. In August of 1966, he married Judith Carolyn Comer. Together they had two children: Tami Bailey Nantz and Jonathan Bailey. Judith went home to be with the Lord in February of 2007. Pastor Bailey later married Patricia Rae Cheer Hawley in June of 2009.
Pastor Bailey was a valiant combat veteran. He dedicated over
five years of his life to serving the United States in the U.S. Marine Corps, earning numerous accolades, including the distinguished Purple Heart, after being wounded by a sniper’s bullet on June 27, 1967, in Vietnam. It was during his military service that he responded to God’s divine calling for full-time ministry. In 1971, shortly after the birth of his daughter, he began his training by enrolling at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Bible, Master of Pastoral Studies, and an Honorary Doctorate.
He served as the pastor of Interstate Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee from 1976 to 1978 and dedicated 36 years to serving Valley Baptist Church in Edinburg, Virginia, before retiring in 2015. In 1983, he became an Executive Board member for World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions, celebrating 40 years of service this year. In 2014 he and Patty became associate missionaries with WWNTBM to serve as furlough replacement. They provided invaluable service as temporary replacements for missionaries in South Korea, New Zealand, Canada, Micronesia, and Guam who needed to take furlough.
Pastor Bailey’s life was a testament to his unwavering trust in God, his steadfast service to His name, and his tireless efforts to lead others to Christ. He continued to fulfill this divine calling faithfully until his final breath. To God be the glory – great things He has accomplished through this remarkable life.
Visitation with family and friends took place just before the funeral at Valley Baptist Church (408 Stoney Creek Road, Edinburg, VA) on November 13, 2023, between 1:00 and 2:30pm. The funeral service began at 2:30pm, followed by a brief graveside service at Cedarwood Cemetery in Edinburg. The funeral service was livestreamed at https://valleybaptistchurch.net.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that you consider contributing to the World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions (WWNTBM) Jim and Judy Bailey Missions Memorial Fund. You can donate by visiting http://wwntbm.com/give and selecting this fund from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you may support the Valley Baptist Christian School Scholarship Fund by visiting https://valleybaptistchurch.net/online-giving/. Both causes held a special place in Pastor Bailey’s heart and continue to impact countless lives.
Online condolences may be left at www.valleyfs.com.