James Edward Bailey Jr., 85, of Port Neches, Texas and former longtime resident of Willow Park, Texas peacefully left this world on Sunday, August 11th at his home in Port Neches.
He was born on June 5, 1939, in Aquilla, Texas in Hill County. James graduated from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth, TX in 1958 and later earned his Associate's Degree in Science from UT Arlington in 1961 before joining the Marine Air Reserves. After the Marines, James built a career working for over 42 years for General Dynamics that later became Lockheed Martin as a Lead Mechanical Engineer. James truly loved the work and the friendships he made along the way and had the opportunity to work on design of F-16s, F-22s and other notable fighter jets.
James was a man of strong principles, loyalty and convictions. He lived his life with an unwavering commitment to his values, always placing family at the center of everything he did. During retirement, James and his wife, Jonell, enjoyed traveling and taking cruises all over the world.
James valued family above all else, and he worked tirelessly to instill in his loved ones a healthy respect for hard work and the value of a dollar. Known affectionately as a penny pincher, he believed in the importance of saving and living within one’s means, lessons he passed down with love and care.
James’ proudest accomplishment was his family, whom he loved deeply. James is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ellen (Jonell) Norris; his children, Jaime Husen and husband, Doug; Heather Stucker and husband, Travis. James will be missed by his grandchildren, Holden Stucker, Ansley Husen and Holly Husen. James was preceded in death by his parents, James (Edward) and Hilda Katherine Bailey.
James has left a lasting mark on the lives of his family, and he will be missed deeply. His memory will be cherished by his loved ones, who will remember him not only for his steadfastness but also for how much he cared for them.
There will be a private burial service on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., for his immediate family at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches. Flowers may be sent to Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, Port Neches, TX or in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Edna Gladney Adoption Agency of Fort Worth, Texas.