Just As I Am
By following the leads of his father, mother, brothers, sister, and self-motivation throughout life,
Mr. Jimmy Leroy Bailey is one who graced his presence as a true lion in every detail of his life
to the pursuit of happiness. A pillar on this earth he attracted every essence of love, honor, and
respect because of his earnest and hard-working persona.
As aforementioned, born Jimmy Leroy Bailey on July 25, 1962, in Homestead, Florida
(Homestead Air Force Base) to Mr. & Mrs. Benny Bailey, Sr. (both preceded in death). From
that day going forward, God had chosen Jimmy as one of his boots on the ground. There was not
much Jimmy would not do for you, your children, your family, friends, co-workers, and anyone
who was in need. The strength of love, power, and honor was just in his DNA. Since the time
Jimmy was a teenager, he had a love for God, family & football. There was a time when a joke
was made about how good of a running back, he was in high school and was better than OJ
Simpson, who he ironically resembled. His brother Benny Jr. molded part of Jim's toughness by
teaching him how to box; his brother William teased him when Jim would "attempt" to sing
"Cherish" by Kool & The Gang; can we say, " 1980s Plastic Grammy". *smile* The family
stories & jokes can go on and on. Jimmy even laughed at his puns, yet he knew life was no
laughing matter and that his calling was something else, somewhere else. He graduated from
high school, joined the United States Air Force as a Vice Military Police, excelled in a few
careers, earned a degree, and was still ready to start something new thereafter. At the time of his
untimely death Jimmy, a master of his craft was to advance again in entrepreneurship &
professional business ventures that he so much loved in the Hospitality Industry.
In addition to all of his accomplishments, Jimmy was a dreamer and knew just what he wanted in
life, when he wanted the foreseeable to take off and how he wanted everything to land perfectly;
likewise, he always knew there was so much more to gain. Consequently, his drive was the
mustard seed that God planted in him to always continue on even if it hurt him. Our father,
brother, uncle, best friend & life partner received his Christmas Invitation on Christmas Day,
then transitioned comfortably on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at 5:01 PM.
Our beloved Jimmy leaves in love & comfort, two sons Brandon Bailey & Joshua Bailey, mother
& father, Mr. Benny Bailey Sr. & Mrs. Eva-Mae Caldwell (both preceded in death), five brothers
& one sister, Benny Bailey, III., Dennis Bailey, Sherry Bailey (preceded in death), Robert
Bailey, and William Bailey; three grandchildren; a unique nephew, Robert Bailey, life partner,
Betty Barefoot and a host of nieces & nephews, cousins, and friendsy December 26, 2021