James "Jim" Lavern Bailey Jr.

James (Jim) LaVern Bailey, 86, passed away on September 21, 2019 at his home, in Burleson, with family at his side. He was born in Marshfield, Missouri on June 19, 1933 to Vern and Gladys Elmore Bailey.
Jim grew up in Marshfield and graduated from Marshfield High School in 1951. After graduating he joined the Coast Guard where he served for four years. After the service, he studied to be an Electronic Engineer and that brought him to Texas where he began working for General Dynamics in May 1960. He worked there for over 30 years and retired in October 1993. His coworkers once presented him with a Mother’s Day card as they considered him the Mother figure of their group.
In his earlier years, he spent many weekends at Benbrook Lake with family and friends and on road trips to Missouri to visit family. Jim enjoyed fixing and repairing anything from electronics, to cars, to houses and especially old buildings. He was once quoted as saying ”Why tear stuff down when things can be used?” He, along with Bettie, was instrumental in the revitalization of Old Town, the preservation of Burleson’s heritage, and many other great aspects of the city.
He served on the Burleson City Council for 18 years. When he left the council in 2006 Bailey Lake was named in his honor. He was a member of the Methodist Church and the American Legion.
Jim married Bettie, his favorite dance partner, nearly 50 years ago on January 1970. He always loved to dance to a good polka. They had a great life together and accomplished many things even when most people thought they had “ lost their minds!”
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Bob, and his son Skip.
He is survived by his wife Bettie, son John Martin (Sue) Titus III, of Manassas VA, daughters Marsha Titus Bloxom, of Burleson, and Robin (Daniel) Bailey McClure, of Cleburne, brother Bill (Betty) Bailey, and sister Betty June (Bruce) Tade. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, John (Melissa) Titus IV, Casey Titus, Hillarie (Clay) Forister, Larrin (Greg) Ford, James (Meryl) McClure, Bailey (Jake) Houston, Stormi Bailey, and Dana (Sam) DeFoor, and 15 Great Grandchildren, Tori and Allie Titus, Corrinne and Helen Forister, Aizlynn and Gregory Ford, Charlotte, Caroline, and Connor McClure, Rip Houston, Kason Bailey and Hoyt Thornton, Payton, Makinley, and Gracie DeFoor, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Burleson Heritage Foundation, 124 W. Ellison St., Burleson, TX 76028 or the American Legion Post 235, Burleson TX.
He lived his life the way he should every day!
The family wishes to say thank you to everyone who has offered their condolences and kind words in person and on social media. A special thank you to Glenda and Don Crowley, and Linda Phillips for always being there, and to St. Gabriel’s Hospice for their care of Jim in his last few days.