Dr. James Carroll (“Jimmy”) Bailey, a native and lifelong resident of Mobile, Alabama, died peacefully Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at his residence. Jim, born May 29, 1934, was preceded in death by his father, James Nelson Bailey; mother, Mary Phillips Bailey; his sister, Mary Frances (Sr. Sarah Margaret) Bailey; his brother, John Robert Bailey, Sr.; Jean McRae Bailey; dear lifelong friends and contemporary troublemakers, Pajeau Barnett and Duckie Cieutat; and Fred and Janet Cushing, who held a special place in his heart.
He is survived by his wife of ten years, Gail Mallet Mealey Bailey; his daughters, Mary Frances Bailey Unger (Michael), Elizabeth Jean Bailey Wester (Zeph), and Melissa Bailey Massa (Chris); his son, James Carroll Bailey, Jr. (Kristi); his step-daughters Shannon Malette Mealey Barbadian (Matt) and Cameron Alaina Mealey; eight grandchildren Clayton Finley Massa (Moorea), Mary Frances Unger, Drake Christopher Massa, Michael Alexander Unger, Sarah Bailey Massa, Audrey Claire Bailey, Camille Anne Bailey, Emory Katherine Bailey; nieces and nephews: Johnny Bailey, Joey Bailey (Connie), Jeannie King (Tommy), Jamie Franklin (Thad), and Jill Schock (Jeff) to whom he is fondly known as “Jimmy”; dear friend, Joyce Belcher; great nieces and nephews, one great-great niece, and other dearly loved relatives and friends, including Charlie who was at every football game at least on paper.
To Jim, his children, grandchildren, and wife, Gail, were his everything. He loved any and every opportunity to spend time with them, especially the 4th of July by the water, wherever that may be. To know him was to love him. He epitomized living life to the fullest every single day with his ever-infectious laugh and mischievous grin. Jim never met a stranger and enjoyed getting to know everyone. Saying Jim was an avid University of Alabama fan does not adequately describe his love of The Crimson Tide. In short, Gail always joked as to where she was in Jim’s pecking order: dentistry (his hobby), Alabama football, or his boat, “The Breakerway”.
Jim, a hugely generous spirit, served his community and was involved with the following: Mobile United Fund, Faulkner University Dental Association Programs, Penelope House, UAB Building for Excellence Campaign, Senior Bowl Committee, American Heart Association, Kenny Stabler Celebrity Golf Tournament, Red Elephant Club, Mobile Big Game Fishing Club, and mystic societies (including the Mardi Gras Court of 1964).
He served in the capacity of member and/or officer of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Board of Directors of University of Alabama Medical School and School of Dentistry Volker Society, President’s Cabinet of the University of Alabama, Continuing Education Committee and Alumni Association of University of Alabama Dental School. Jim was also proud of the lecturing opportunities in which he participated during his dental career including being the inaugural foreign dentist to lecture at Tsurume’ University School of Dentistry in Yokohoma, Japan.
Jim graduated from St. Matthews Catholic School and McGill High School, attended Spring Hill College, graduated from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, and served in the US Army as a Captain. Dentistry was his passion and his patients, all friends.
The family would also like to gratefully acknowledge the loving caretakers of Gentiva (Kindred Hospice): Beth and Brittany; and Your Choice Senior Care: Chad, Sarah, Alessi, and all of the other caretakers. A thank you as well to those individuals who separately were there for Jim in bringing him peace and comfort in his final days: Thank you, Juicy for your help when Jim was at Springhill Rehab; Thank you, Lisa (and pet therapist Lilly!) for all your kindnesses. “Lady” (Charlotte), thank you for straightening the crooked shrub among other things that needed straightening over 17 years.
Thank you for every kindness and care rendered to Jim through the expertise of the following clinicians and their team members: Drs. Hecker, Herring, Phillips, Goode and Citrin. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Jim’s loyal and dedicated staff from his dental office who supported his passion over the years.
Remarks and reflections will begin at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial led by Fr. Bry Shields as Celebrant at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. The urn bearers will be Kristi Bailey, Moorea Massa (honorary), Mike Unger, Zeph Wester, Chris Massa, Clay Massa, Drake Massa, Alex Unger, and Matt Barbadian. The family will hold a private interment.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Penelope House (P. O. Box 9127, Mobile, AL 36691); The Little Flower School (2053 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36606) where a scholarship will be set up in Jim’s name; or to a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com for the Bailey family.
