James M. (J.M.) Bailey - age 72 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 in the comfort of his home. He was of Baptist faith and a member of Hickory Valley Missionary Baptist Church. J.M. was a life-long and extremely dedicated republican who had a passion for politics and public service. He served his county as a road commissioner for four years, a county commissioner for over 20 years, several terms as Chairman of the Union County Republican Party, and also served on numerous county committees. J.M. was a truck driver for Lay’s Packing Company in Knoxville for 37 years until its closing. J.M. loved being around friends and always enjoyed life.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Opal Edmondson Glazer; father, Elmer Bailey; and daughter Kimberly Kay Bailey. He leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Nancey Bailey;son, Allen Bailey; son, Jason (April) Bailey; and four grandchildren, Allen Jr., Ashley, Nicholas, and Jaxon Bailey; brother, Jack (Marie) Edmondson.

The family will receive friends 4 – 8 P.M. Friday, September 7, 2018 with funeral service to follow at 8 P.M. Friday, Cooke-Campbell Mortuary Chapel, Rev. Gabriel Haynes, Rev. Richard Nicley officiating with music by Beulah Moore and Linda Nicley. Interment 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Big Barren Cemetery, Maynardville. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home by 10:15 A.M. Saturday to go in the funeral procession. Pallbearers: Terry Bailey, David Cox, Billy Joe Henderson, Eddie Muncey, Terry Muncey, Eric Russell. Honorary Pallbearers: Gerald Simmons, Bob and Danny Sexton (along with all the boys at the garage) and all the Union County Commissioners and Officials. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.