James Russell Bailey aka “Bubba” was born on May 27, 1956 to the late James Wilbert Bailey and Evelyn Collins Bailey of Northampton County, VA. He departed this life on January 28, 2018 at the St. Francis Home in Richmond, VA. James was preceded in death by his stepmother, Lillian Robertson-Bailey, brothers Nelson Johnson and James Oliver Bailey, one sister Jackie Joe, and one nephew Rodney Dixon.

James was educated and graduated in 1974 from Northampton County Public Schools. He also attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, studying Business Management. James worked at Perdue Farms, Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel, and Bayshore Concrete for many years. While living in Georgia he was employed at The Carter’s Warehouse and Estes Trucking Company. His true passion was building and renovating homes with his uncle Maurice Weeks.

He accepted Jesus Christ into his life at an early age and was a member of Mt. Sinai Gospel Tabernacle and sang with the Men’s Choir and the Male Youth for Christ. Upon moving to Georgia in 2011, he devoted most of his time to ministering in song to the residents of Lake City Nursing and Rehab Center in Marrow, GA. Singing was not only a passion, but a way of life and one of the attributes staff recalls during his stay at St. Francis. Bubba could make anything into a song and especially loved making special songs for his children and grandchildren. He moved back to Virginia in 2016 after his illness progressed and worshipped at Words of Life Ministry in Richmond, VA. He continued to devote his time to Jesus Christ and wrote many prayers in his journal.

James Russell Bailey leaves to celebrate his life on earth and eternal life in his heavenly home a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends who loved him dearly that include:

Children: Tevya (Nolan) Williams Griffin, James(Raffinee) Brewer, Courtney (Jesus Christ...lol) Brewer

Grandchildren: Jadyn, Eden-Oluwaseyi, Emilee, Asa-Abiye, Sion-Amioluwa

Sisters: Diary (Starlene) Dixon, Mae (Mike) Keaton, Alberta Ruffin

Aunts: Maggie Weeks, Margaretta “Giddy” Conley, Susie “Mama Sue” Cora Stewart, Margaret “Marjean” Jean Trower

Sister-in-laws: Karen Brewer, Elousie Giddens, Angela Watts

Brother-in-laws: Tad Brewer, Marvin Brewer

Special Friend: Muriel Curry