James L Bailes

James Lee Bailes, 47, died April 19, 2024, at his home in Strong City. He was born December 5, 1976, in Emporia, to Quentin and Harriett (Chowning) Bailes.

James rodeod all through high school. After high school he moved to the Kansas City area where he got his CDL and became an over the road driver. He hauled golf carts for over 20 years. During this time he was part of the Nascar circuit some. He also attended free concerts at events like Lollapalooza, Country Thunder, and Country Stampede. One place he hated to drive was in Chicago but at the same time, he loved it for all Chicago had to offer.

James and Jamie welcomed their son into the world on June 18, 2012; he was James’ most precious possession. He would show him off to anyone willing to look. Every chance he got he would put Jake in his car seat, set him on the table and they would watch Scooby Do marathons until one or both fell asleep.

He had a passion for fishing and deer hunting. AS his health declined and he could no longer work, he would spend his days playing video games with his son. His favorites were Call of Duty, Left for Dead, Borderlands, Halo, and anything zombie related to prepare for the apocalypse.

James is survived by his wife, Jamie; son, Jake, both of Matfield Green; brother, Travis (Mary) Chowning of Strong City; sister, Terrah (David) Bires of Kansas City, MO; nephew, Blake McFadden of Kansas City; Uncle Bob of White City; Aunt Debbie (Bill) Hamm; Grandma Shope and Uncle Jerry all of Kansas City, KS; Uncle Denis Bailes of Turner, Uncle Richard Bailes of Overland Park; Aunt Nancy Snider Remus of MI; great Aunt Helen of Gaitlin, CA, Great Aunt Glaidys Rehmirt of MI and Great Aunt Marjorie Ehrlich of Council Grove.

He was preceded in death by his father; mother; and step-father, Don Chowning; his adoptive family in Kansas City: Pat Sr. (Dad) and Pat Jr. (Brother) Burk.

James will be missed by all his family and friends.

Per James’ wishes, cremation will take place. A celebration of his life will be at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Jake Bailes Education Fund, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home PO Box 220 Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

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