James A. Bailey

James Adelbert Bailey Jr., age 87, of Garnett, Kansas passed away Friday, May 18, 2012 at the St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. James was born at Garnett, Kansas on June 27, 1924, the son of James Adelbert Bailey and Eva Mae (Keeney) Bailey. James was a lifelong resident of Garnett, graduating from Garnett High School in 1943. He entered the US Army on June 29, 1943. James was veteran of World War II, serving in the European Theatre where he was wounded in combat in France. James was awarded 2 Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart before being honorably discharged on November 28, 1945. He returned to Garnett, Kansas following the War and began working as an electrician. James worked for Huxtable Electric of Lawrence, Kansas for over 30 years before retiring as a Master Electrician in the late 1980's. James was a dedicated member of the First Christian Church, Garnett, serving as an Elder and on the Board of Trustees, currently serving on the Finance Committee. James also served on the Anderson County Hospital Board for 15 years. He was an active 32nd Degree member of the Masonic Lodge of Garnett and he was also a dedicated Shriner participating as a member of the Hardly Able Fire Department Unit. James loved antique cars and attending numerous local parades with the Hardly Able Fire Truck and members. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Vivian Smith and Hazel Rogers. James is survived by his wife, Helen Bailey, of the home; two daughters, Becky Shanley and husband Mike of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Rhonda Bass and husband Mike of Tecumseh, Kansas; four grandchildren, Kelly Nordstrom and husband Chuck of Eau Claire, WI; Brian Shanley and wife Lindsey of Abilene, Texas; Kent Shanley and fiance Kayla Christiansen of Corpus Christi, Texas; Zachary Bass of Tecumseh, Kansas; and two great grandchildren, William James and Julia Nordstrom. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at the First Christian Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery with Masonic and Military Burial Honors. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Shriner's Hospital for Children or the First Christian Church and left in care of the funeral home.