James Lee Bailey, son of the late Elvin Bailey, Sr. and Joan P. Bailey-Ross, was born on May 7, 1960, in Richmond, Virginia. He attended Powhatan High School. At an early age, he professed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and joined Second Antioch Baptist Church in Powhatan, Virginia.

James displayed his love through his passion for cooking while working as a Chef and as a skilled craftsman in construction and masonry.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard Bailey, Sr. & Cecelia B. Williams, Frank Porter & Nolene M. Porter; sister, Jean D. Giles; brother, Elvin Bailey, Jr., niece, Delmetria N. Robinson; and his nephews, Toby A. Bailey and Tishon Postell.

He leaves to cherish his memories: one daughter Jermise Valentine (Jamaal); former spouse, Avis Bailey; four sisters, Gail Bailey (Everette), Joyce Bailey, Marcia Simms, and Flora Skipwith (Dexter); seven nieces, Lakeisha Bailey, Michelle Taliferro, Jamie Grady, Renata Bailey, LaShaunda Kohler, Marquita Ames (Emmanuel), and Sheree Giles (Darry); eleven nephews, Ervin L. Bailey, Sharone White, Jr., Michael A. Robinson, Jr., Emanuel J. Robinson, Lamar Giles (Keisha), Amond Giles, Charsley Giles, Elvin Jasper (Sharelle), Bray Bailey, Jerrod Bailey, and Quanny Bailey; loving friend Leochelle Terry; and a host of devoted uncles and aunts, great nieces and great nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held 12:00 P.M., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Life Of Victory Everyday On Purpose Worship Center, 109 Highland Avenue, Colonial Heights, VA , Pastor Flora Skipwith, eulogist.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, 23803, (804)732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.