We are saddened to inform you that James Clayton Bailey, 94, passed away on August 19, 2024, at Plano Presbyterian Hospital after a courageous fight to recover from a series of operations. He was born on March 26, 1930, in Plainview, Texas to parents Frank Marian Bailey and Connie Mae (Booker) Bailey. His family moved to the Waco, Texas area where he went to high school before joining the United States Marine Corp in1947. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant and was stationed in Hawaii during the Korean Conflict prior to receiving an honorable discharge on August 21, 1951.

He started his career shortly after leaving the Marines in Fort Worth, Texas with Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. He progressed from an entry level job to retiring as the General Marketing Manager of Texas for AT&T, while holding progressively responsible management positions in Amarillo, Ft. Worth, Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Little Rock. He was talented in developing the potential of the people who worked for him, with several moving to high management levels. He had a reputation for being a fair boss and was respected by all who knew him.

He lived a full life of adventures and accomplishments, retiring at the age of 53 and moving to 20 acres in Argyle, Texas to raise racehorses. Having some success with horses, he moved on to other challenges, including taking care of his land, baling hay, and becoming a skilled and accomplished woodworker.

He loved animals: both the many dogs and cats he had throughout his life as well as the horses he raised and raced (a love that began with a cherished childhood pony). He also enjoyed duck hunting with his friends and colleagues in Arkansas. He out-lived many of his friends and peers, but made new ones in his nineties at LA Fitness in Highland Village, Texas while exercising to keep fit. He loved life and was always an optimist.

He's survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Elizabeth (Pulley), sons James Robert, Kenneth Lee, Daniel Clayton (Sheela), Jason Brett (Adrianne) and daughter Holly Diane. His greatest pleasure was being a grandfather to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was dearly loved and will forever be missed.

A private graveside service will be held on a later date at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton, TX.