James “Jim” Bailey, of Indianapolis, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026, on his 82nd birthday.

Jim was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Walter "Ed" and Ethel Faye Bailey.

For more than 30 years, Jim worked as a salesman for Maplehurst Bakery before retiring in the early 2000s. He was a hard worker who took pride in doing things the right way and firmly believed that "anything worth doing is worth doing right.”

Jim enjoyed working in his yard and spending time with his beloved dogs. He was also known for his classic sayings—words his family heard countless times over the years and will undoubtedly continue to hear in their hearts for years to come:

"To each their own.”

"You’re only as good as the company you keep.”

And the infamous, "You do what you gotta do.”

Those simple sayings were Jim through and through, and they are just one of the many pieces of him his family will carry with them always.

Jim is survived by his stepchildren, Todd (Jennifer) Richardson and Kimberly Bottrell; his grandchildren, Makayla, Brianna, Madelyn, and Mariah; his great-grandchildren, Myrah Mae and Raegan; his sister, Jan (Dave) Haugk; and his niece and nephew, Kristin Haugk and Michael (Rachel) Haugk.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ethel Faye Bailey; his son, James Allen Bailey; his niece, Kimberly Haugk; and his beloved dog, Dobber.

Services will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jim’s memory are invited to make a memorial contribution to **The Gathering Together**, 6446 S. County Road 675 E., Plainfield, IN 46168.