James William Bailey

WEST GARDINER – James William Bailey, 66, of West Gardiner, passed away on Oct. 1, 2023, due to complications from Multiple Myeloma and surrounded by family. James was born in Gardiner on Aug. 13, 1957, the son of Walter and Shirley Bailey.

He attended Hall Dale High School, graduating in 1976, and graduated from University of Southern Maine with his Bachelor’s in Engineering shortly after. He had a range of jobs from working at nuclear power plants, teaching university classes, and ending with his career in the lighting industry.

In his youth, James enjoyed spending time competitively racing boats, and spending time at his family camp on Cobbossee Lake. Throughout his life, James enjoyed traveling, snowmobiling, spending time with family, and excelling in his career. Although retirement was impacted by his cancer diagnosis, he was able to make every moment count, spending more time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and grand-puppies. He was predeceased by his parents Shirley and Walter, along with multiple other family members.

James is survived by his wife Cheryl and their beloved dog Harvard of West Gardiner, daughter Jennifer and husband Jacob Frost of Farmingdale, son Walter Bailey and wife Nicole of West Gardiner; grandchildren, Kenneth and Reagan Frost of Farmingdale; grand-puppies Elsa, Allie, and Baxter. There are several siblings and extended family members as well.

Appreciation and gratitude go to New England Cancer Specialists and Dana Farber Cancer Center.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 6, at 10:30 a.m., at the Cherry Hill Cemetery, High Street, West Gardiner, followed by a celebration of life at the West Gardiner Snowmobile Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Midcoast Humane Society

5 Industrial Pkwy, Brunswick, ME 04011

or:

Cobbosseecontee Lake Association

PO Box 17

Manchester, ME 04351