James Bailey

James Lee Bailey

July 26, 1951-September 17, 2024

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of James Bailey, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, who transitioned from this life on September 17, 2024, at the age of 73. His unwavering love, kind spirit and hope will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

James was born in Vincennes, Indiana on July 26, 1951. James was raised by Harry and Ruby Bailey in his small hometown. Ruby operated a photography studio at home, and Harry sold furniture at Gimbels in downtown Vincennes. James fondly recalled memories of walking to the grocer for his mom and putting it on their “tab” or going to lunch at the local café with the dollar his mom gave him. One of his more colorful memories as a young boy is when he played “chemist” in his mother’s photo lab and poured water over someone’s wedding negatives ruining the wedding photos! James was drawn to his mother’s photo lab, which began his lifelong passion for photography. James attended Riley Elementary and Lincoln High in Vincennes. In high school, James was an avid slot car racer and won several trophies for his handmade cars.

James attended college at Ohio University and earned his BFA and MFA in photography. The summer between undergrad and grad school, James landed a coveted spot interning with well-known photographer Minor White in Boston, MA. James refined the intricacies of black and white photography using Minor’s Zone System. In the late 1970s, James taught photography classes at Yosemite National Park alongside Ansel Adams. On occasional evenings, Ansel hosted cocktail hour at his home in Big Sur that James would attend. Ansel and his guests would discuss and study the work of Ansel and other well-known photographers.

James taught photography at Cal State Hayward and Chabot Community College in the 70s and 80s, and later taught at San Jose State University, working with students with disabilities. It was at San Jose State that James met his future wife, Annie. They were married in 1993 and moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1995. They raised their family, and James continued his work with students with disabilities at University of Oregon. James published a book about adaptive technology in higher ed which was widely acclaimed by disability resource administrators in higher education. James retired from U of O in 2019.

Family was always at the heart of James' life. He cherished his role as a husband to Annie with whom he shared 33 years of love, partnership, and countless adventures. In his free time, James continued his passion for photography and exhibited his work at Maude Kerns, Lincoln City Cultural Center and Brownsville Art Museum. James loved spending time with his faithful dog Bronco, traveling with his family, and reading while enjoying morning coffee in his garden.

As a father, James was devoted to his children and stepchildren; Maisie, Ben, Michelle, Mike and Will. James was always there to support their dreams, whether it was attending their events, helping with school projects, or simply being a listening ear. His grandchildren, Rex, Tala and Rhett were a source of immense joy for him, and he loved hearing about their adventures and stories. 

James is survived by his wife Annie, children Maisie Bailey and her husband Luis Felipe Rivera, Ben Bailey, Michelle Firth and her husband Steve, Mike Tinoco and his wife Rachelle Villanueva, Will Tinoco, grandchildren Rex, Rhett and Tala and a host of friends and extended family who will fondly remember his spirit and kindness.

A funeral mass for James will take place on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Eugene. Friends and family are invited to gather and share stories, memories, and the joy he brought into their lives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maude Kerns Art Center in his honor. Though he may no longer be with us, James’ memory will forever remain in our hearts. We will carry forward his spirit of hope, optimism and courage, ensuring that his legacy lives on in all the lives he touched. His humor, wisdom, and love will continue to guide us as we navigate the days ahead without him.

Rest in peace, dearest James. You will be forever missed, and your spirit will live on in our hearts.