Obituary

It is with great sadness that the family of James (Jim) Clifford Bailey born January 15^th, 1949, in McGrath AB, announces his sudden passing on August 17^th, 2022, in Penticton BC. Jim’s early childhood was spent in Vancouver before moving to Wynndel, BC, arriving there as a 14 year-old city boy in white denim jeans and penny loafers to live life on a farm where they ate eggs for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At 17 the family which at that time included Jim, his mother (Kavaleen), siblings Doug, Janice, Terry & Kenny; moved to Campbell River where he lived until the age of 21, it was while living here that he met and married his first wife and his eldest daughter Denica was born in 1968. In 1970 he moved back to Creston where he met and married Hilda May Hillcox and in 1972 had their first daughter Rhonda. They lived in Creston until 1976 when they moved to Radium where he worked as a Loader Operator for the Department of Highways. While living here Jim took up his upholstery business, which led him to many jobs being done for the hotels in town and led to many recycled upholstery projects being completed and sold as a pastime. In 1978 they made the move back to Creston once again and it was here that they had two more daughters, Candice in 1982 and Jamie in 1984. During 1982 he began what would turn into a 30-year adventure with Pacific Press. They lived in Creston until 1990 when they made the move to Penticton BC to continue their journey with Pacific Press until 2012 when he retired.

During his time in Creston, Jim and Hilda enjoyed 5 years of square dancing with the Swan Valley Swingers. When Jim and Hilda moved to Penticton, it was here where he reconnected with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.The church community that surrounded him and Hilda have been and continue to be a great support. Jim loved serving others and was a “grab your tools” and go and help whoever needed it when they called kind of guy.

Jim was a proud Co-Creator and Director of the Peach City Beach Cruise and long-time member of the Vintage Car Club of Canada.  He has always found joy in his car clubs and the many cruises that he would take family and friends on in his 1966 Cadillac convertible. He is fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched as a loyal friend and the best hugger around. The phrase “Have I told you that I love you yet today?” was a constant any time he was near, along with his wishes for everyone to “have a great Okanagan day!”.

The legacy of love and kindness that Jim has created throughout his life will be carried on through the family that he cherished.

He is survived by; his wife Hilda of 52 years. Daughters; Denica (Derek) Fletcher, Rhonda (Keith) Becker, Candice Bailey, and Jamie (Ryan) Nelson. Grandchildren Nicole (Kalvin), Sara (Adam), Jennifer, Searra, Courtney (Colton), Dakota (Lexi), Katana, James, Austin, Mason, and Corbin. Great grandson Kai. Sister’s Sylvia (Ed) Turner and Janice Androsoff and brother Terry Bailey.

Jim is predeceased by his mother Kavaleen Gorham, father Clifford Bailey and brothers; Keith Bailey, Dave Stockell, Bill Stockell, Kenny Androsoff and Doug Androsoff.

In lieu of flowers, there is a memorial bench fund that has been set up by the family that you are welcome to donate towards. Please send e-transfers to jimbailey.memorybench@gmail.com.