Jimmie Bailey
Ocala, Fla. — Jimmie Bailey, 83, of Ocala, Fla., formerly of Southington and New Britain, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Oct. 19, 1940, in Russellville, Ark., son of the late Willard Bailey and Rebba Robertson Bailey.
At age 16, while working as an usher at the Palace Movie Theater in
New Britain, he met the love of his life, Dolores Marino. The two would later marry and enjoy 60 wonderful years together. Jim graduated from E.C. Goodwin Technical High School in New Britain in 1958 and then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served four years as a jet engine mechanic. He was later employed at New Britain General Hospital (now The Hospital of Central Connecticut) in the Engineering Department. He retired as an assistant construction foreman after 30 years of service.
Jim and Dolores moved to Ocala, Fla., in 1994. He worked for the City of Ocala in the Parks and Recreation Department and then in the Building Maintenance Department until his retirement in 2000.
Jim was a highly skilled woodworker and made beautiful furniture including beds, dressers, tables, cabinets, and a variety of other items for his family. He was also an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his bountiful harvests with his family and friends. He was a huge fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants and enjoyed watching football on Sundays.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Dolores Marino Bailey; his son Robert Bailey of Clearwater, Fla.; his daughter Susan Callegari and her husband Ernesto of East Lyme; his beloved grandchildren, Marina Callegari, Amanda Callegari and Brian Callegari; his sister Patricia Rich of Columbia, S.C.; his sister-in-law Charlotte Farnham of Southington; his brother-in-law Dante Marino of Southington; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother Charles Bailey; sister-in-law Elizabeth Marino; and brothers-in-law, Gailen Farnham and Louis Rich.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Hospice of Marion County and the staff at Bridgewater Park Health and Rehabilitation Center in Ocala.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla., at a later date. Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home in Ocala is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Marion County (www.hospiceofmarion.com) or St. Francis Society Animal Rescue (www.stfrancisrescue.org).