Rev. James D. Bailie

James Bailie passed away at 1:00 AM Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL. Funeral services will be held at Hough & Sons Funeral Home in Hillsboro on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM with visitation and viewing beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place in Cress Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mr. James Bailie’s honor may be directed to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, PO Box 97339, Washington, DC 20077-7945.

James Douglas Bailie of Hillsboro, IL, was born April 30, 1938, in Lancaster, Wisconsin to Paul and Geneva (Vesperman) Bailie. Jim graduated from Fennimore High School in Wisconsin and began his career working on a local farm. He married Ammie Beth (Vaught) on September 29, 1961.

Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from October 25, 1961-October 25, 1963. After his military service, he worked as a pressman in newspaper offices in Hopkinsville and Madisonville, Kentucky. He later worked in Pontiac, Illinois, before becoming a Vocational school instructor, teaching printing at the Pontiac Correctional Center. Jim was then transferred to Graham Correctional Center, where he worked as a Supply Supervisor until his retirement. During his newspaper years, he personally built two homes for his family. Jim and his wife, Beth, had three sons and opened their hearts and home as foster parents to more than 80 children in Kentucky and adopted three sons they had fostered.

In his later years, Jim answered a higher calling, serving as pastor of Schram City Baptist Church. Jim also had a unique passion for collecting John Deere toy tractors, which brought him immense joy and he loved sharing his collection with others.

Jim is survived by his wife, Beth, five sons, 12 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Sons: Joel Ray (LaDonna) Versailes, Kentucky; Jerome Clark (Sabrina) Poughkeepsie, New York; Raymond Charles of Madisonville, Kentucky; Phillip Charles of Hillsboro, Illinois; and Michael Lynn (Deanna) of Friend, Nebraska. Eight grandsons: John Austin of Marshall, Illinois; Matthew (Morgan) of Versailles, Kentucky; Philip and Elijah of Cadillac, Michigan; and Konner Kora of Ovid, Michigan; David, Mason and Aiden of Friend, Nebraska; Four granddaughters: Stephanie of Owensboro, Kentucky; Aislinn (Brandon McDole) of Madison, Wisconsin; Emma of Poughkeepsie, New York; Quin Kora of Ovid, Michigan. Three great grandchildren: Liam, Landon, and Lily (Madisonville, Kentucky).

Jim is survived by one sister, Linda (Robert) Folden of Greenville, Texas. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his son, John, his brother Clayton, his sisters, Ethel and Alice. Jim loved the spring--flowers, grass, and the garden. He will be missed by family and friends, but we are all so thankful he is pain-free and at peace now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Go Pack, Go !