James T. Bailey, a lifelong resident of Ogden Dunes passed away, Tuesday, May 29, 2012. He was the son of Robert and Sarah Bailey. Jim attended Portage High School. He received a B.S. from the University of Evansville, an MBA from the University of Dallas, and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science. Jim was a Past Master of the Gary Masonic Lodge #677, Past Potentate Orak Shrine Center, Past President of the Great Lakes Shrine Association, member of the Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend and a 33rd Degree honoree, member of York Rite, Past Associate Bethel Guardian of Job's Daughters Bethel #54, Red Cross of Constantine, Past President of Portage Rotary and a Paul Harris Fellow, member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and Past President of Ring 342. Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Portage. He was employed by Rees Funeral Home as a Funeral Director. Jim's greatest joy was being with his family.

Jim is survived by his family, wife, Kris Bailey, daughter Lauren (Brock) Shipley, son Jordan Bailey, daughter Leslie Bailey, father Robert Bailey, brother John Bailey, brother Bill (Deb) Bailey.

He was preceded in death by his mother Sarah.

There will be a memorial service for Jim on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Portage, 2637 McCool Rd., Portage with Rev. Dennis Ticen officiating. Memorial visitation will be Friday, June 1, 2012 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. with 7 p.m. Masonic service at the First United Methodist Church of Portage. Memorials in Jim's memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Portage or Shriners' Hospital for Children. Call Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, (219) 762-3013 or visit us online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.