Jack Edward Bailey

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. – Jack Edward Bailey, 80, peacefully passed away April 28, 2021, at his winter home in Zephyrhills, Fla. Born Dec. 13, 1940 in Lewiston, he was the son of Donald and Marjorie Pratt Bailey. Jack’s childhood years were spent in Auburn at the family farm on Maple Hill with his brother, Tom and his sister, Donna, his mom and dad and grand-mother Bailey, along with his great-aunts, DeDe and Angie. Those were years of wonder and happy days that sustained him throughout his life.

Jack’s education began in a one-room school in Auburn and ended at Paul Smith College in New York. His most memorable school experiences were his high school years at Edward Little High School in Auburn. As a member of the class of 1959, these years were filled with sports and happy times. The high-light of these years was the Edward Little Ski Team. Jack’s competitive enthusiasm along with his “give it your all” approach to life, made his “long jump” position on the ELS Ski Team a natural fit for him.

As a proud Veteran, he served in the United States Army in the early ’60s. His duty took him to Northern Africa where he served as the head radio man on the base. He told us often of the day he took the call alerting all overseas bases of President Kennedy’s death.

His life’s work was with the State of Maine Department of Labor. As a field supervisor, Jack traveled the state, managing offices from Lewiston to Calais and up to Madawaska. In his retirement, he and Judy spent many quiet, peaceful years at West Carry Pond before moving to Silver Lake in Lee for the summer months and Zephyrhills Fla. for the winter.

Jack had an amazing ability to make lasting friendships wherever he went. Everybody was welcome in his home. He embraced Judy’s family as his own and the Cobb family embraced him as well.

Jack was predeceased by his father and mother, Don and Marjorie Bailey; brother, Tom Bailey, sister, Donna Bailey Lalonde, brother-in- law, John Lalonde and his brother-in-law, Gary Cobb.

He is survived by his loving partner and friend, Judy Cobb Mallett; his daughter, Lisa Bailey Bradford (husband Andrew), Hunter Bradford and Hannah Bradford, and sister-in-law Mary Bailey. Jack is also survived by daughter, Katherine Mallett (John Diller), and Kristen Mallett McLaughlin (Bob McLaughlin), Kaitlyn Cowan (Rhett McKenney), Nickolas Cowan (Leaonna Dunphy) Wyatt Cowan and Bryce Cowan, Grace Cowan Chamberlain (Cole ), sisters-in-law Jeannie Cobb Merchant (John) and Betty Cobb. Jack is also survived by nieces, nephews and many cherished friends.

Jack was a good man. He loved his family and friends, and loved sampling what life had to offer. In 2005, life threw him a curve ball and Jack’s health and life was changed dramatically and drastically. Through the ongoing years, he quietly and stoically accepted many bumps in the road. He never gave up nor did he ever give in. On April 28, Jack simply let go.

A friend honored Jack with these words:

“Jack has been an inspiration to us all.

His smile will always be there when we recall the memories.

He raised the bar of courage and faith.

Friends like Jack are a treasure.”

Friends and family will celebrate Jack’s life in the fall at the Cobb cottage on Silver Lake. A private burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lee will be at a later date.

Those wishing to honor Jack’s memory are invited to make a donation, which will be contributed to the Environmental Studies/Outdoor Education program at Lee Academy, a program he truly believed in to benefit our younger generation.

Lee Academy Alumni Association,

26 Winn Rd.,

Lee, ME 04455