James M. Bailey, 77, of Brilliant, OH, passed away Friday October 9, 2026 at home.

He was born December 8, 1948 in Steubenville, OH a son of the late James A. and Virginia (Melching) Bailey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Heidi Caldwell; a son, Benjamen H. Bailey; and a granddaughter, Hannah Bailey.

Jim served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war in the 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightening). He then went on to work as a police officer for 23 years all over Jefferson County, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Steel Valley Baptist Church. He was also a lifetime member of the Brilliant American Legion Post 573, the Disabled American Veterans and also AMVETS. For the DAV he was a representative of the national executive committee and past state commander. Jim loved trying his luck out at the casinos and going for rides in the country.

Surviving are two sons, James A. Bailey of Brilliant, OH and Erik Bailey of Yorkville, OH; a daughter, Tammy (Kevin) Frazer of Brilliant, OH; three brothers, George (Donna) Bailey of Tampa, FL, Jeff (Debbie) Bailey of Lorraine, OH and Kim (Ruth) Bailey of Unionport, OH; a sister, Linda (Ed) Allen of Detroit, MI; sixteen grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

Friends will be received at the Wheeler Funeral Home, 712 Third St., Brilliant, OH, on Thursday from 3-7 p.m. and also on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of his funeral service at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Todd Miller, officiating. Interment will follow at New Alexandria Cemetery, with military honors by the Brilliant American Legion Post 573. There will be a legion service on Thursday at 5 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed in Jim’s memory to the funeral home to help the family during this difficult time.

Offer condolences at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.