James L. Bailey, 81, of Bluffs, Illinois, died Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Prairie Village Healthcare Center in Jacksonville.

He was born June 11, 1944, in Camden, the son of Robert and Georgia (Higgins) Bailey. He married Mary Anne Brockhouse on June 5, 1965, and she survives.

He is also survived by his children, James E. Bailey of Bluffs, Laura (Robert) Reid of Bluffs, and Rebecca "Becky" (Alan) McClellan of South Jacksonville; grandchildren, Rachel, Andrew, Joshua, and Hannah Bailey, Justin (Alexis) and Brandon (Jessica) Reid, Bailey (Ethan) Haynes, and Tyler McClellan; step grandson, Jack Wetherell; eight great grandsons; sisters, Charlene (James) Merriman and Mary Ann Martin; and nieces, Lisa (Brian) Cook, Shelly (Matt) Hays, and Sara (Dan) Reynolds. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Janet Albers; brother-in-law, Richard Martin; nieces, Debbie, Vickie, and Susan; and nephew, David.

James graduated from Bluffs High School in 1962. He worked construction with Freesen Brothers and Illinois Valley Paving from 1962 – 1974. After he left construction, he worked at the C.I.P.S. power plant in Meredosia until his retirement in 2003. James also volunteered with the North Scott Fire Protection District from 1971 until present and even served some of those years as Fire Chief. He was also still active as a trustee on the Fireman Board since 1990, member of the Fairview Cemetery Board since 1992, and member of the Scott County 911 Board since 1992 when it formed. James loved to hunt geese and fish, especially with his grandchildren. He also loved to spend time with family, enjoying cookouts and get-togethers.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, December 29, 2025, at Salem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, with burial at Fairview Cemetery in Bluffs. The body will lie in state one hour before the service at the church. Memorial donations are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, or to the Heart Association. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.