James W. Bailey Jr. "Jimmy", of Smyrna, passed away on Monday March 7, 2022 surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was 82.

He was born May 31, 1939 in Dover, DE to the late James W. Bailey Sr. and Evelyn (Keiser) Bailey.

He served four years in the United States Army. In his younger years, he worked at his father's Sinclair and BP gas stations, and later worked as a mechanic for Willis Chevrolet. He retired as a Service Technician for Suburban Propane. After retiring, he started his own business, Mill Creek Farm 3D Archery.

He was a devoted father, grandfather, and brother. Jimmy was a skilled craftsman as well, making custom knives and turkey calls. He was also an antique enthusiast: collecting knives, marbles, cast iron banks and other Americana. He was an avid hunter, trapper, and outdoorsman, and enjoyed spending time on his family farm. He loved animals, having had many family pets.

He is survived by his children Tana (Michael) Zlock of Smyrna, Tracy (Eric) Zlock of Smyrna; Tammy (Joey) Johnson of Marydel, DE; and Paul Bailey; grandchildren, Joshua Zlock, Jake Daniels, Jacob Zlock, Lucas Zlock, Wyatt Zlock, Jesse Johnson, and Jarrett Johnson; a great-grandson, Liam Daniels; and his siblings, Richard H. Bailey and Evelyn F. Bailey.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son-in-law, Jake Daniels Jr.; and a granddaughter, Emily R. Zlock.

Services will be held 11 AM Tuesday March 15 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, where friends may call at 10 AM. Burial will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1757 Horsepond Rd., Dover, DE 19901; a local animal shelter; or St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To sign the online guestbook, please click the tab marked "Guestbook".

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.