James Bailey, Sr.

James C. "Pop" Bailey, Sr.

MILFORD - James C. Bailey, Sr. passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at the Hospice Care Center in Milford.  He was 85.

He was born in Milton on June 4, 1931, son of the late Frank and Blanche (Torbert) Bailey.

Jim owned and operated Bailey's Lawnmower Service in Milford for many years before turning the business over to his sons when he went to work for Milford Fertilizer.  He remained there until he retired.

His greatest satisfaction in life came in the form of helping others and volunteering his time and talents to organizations in his local community.  Jim was a long time member of the Carlisle Fire Company in Milford, joining in 1950 and remaining active until his recent illness.  He served on numerous committees and held the positions of Assistant Chief, Chief Engineer, Ambulance Attendant, and was the Fire Chief from 1964-68.  In 1991 he was sworn in with the Delaware State Fire Police call number "42-33".  Pop was recognized many times throughout his years of service; Carlisle Fire Company Fireman of the Year, Delaware State Fireman of the Year, firefighter with the most alarms, fire police with the most alarms, and he attained the status of Life Membership.  He was also involved with several other local fire companies.  In recognition of his many years of service, Mayor Ronnie Rogers of the City of Milford proclaimed the week of December 12-18, 1994 as "James C. Bailey, Sr. Week".

Jim was also a member and active participant in the events sponsored by Central Delaware Ducks Unlimited, and he was a member of the Reformation Lutheran Church in Milford.

Last but surely not least are the many loyal customers that will miss Pop Bailey as their supplier of fresh oysters.  During the season, his garage became an oyster shucking and packaging facility where fans of the seafood delicacy picked up their orders.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Katie Bailey.

Jim is survived by his children; James C. Bailey, Jr. (Margaret), Jay E. Bailey (Sharon), all of Milford; Jean D. Baker (George), Joyce A. Nauman (Mark), all of Milford; and Dr. Judy L. Bailey (E. Marco Pinera) of Dover; a brother, Bill Bailey of Lewes; a sister, Patricia Ledford of Middle River, MD; his grandchildren; Charles Edward Bailey, Christine B. Reece, Matthew Bailey, Mark Nauman, II, James Patrick Bailey, Michael Colin Nauman, Will Nauman, Alexa Pinera and Nicole Pinera; and seven great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2016 at the Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Ave, Milford, where friends may greet the family after 4:00 p.m.

Interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 in the Milford Community Cemetery on Route 113.