R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN

Obituary For Dr. James Riley Bailey

With great sadness, the family of James Riley Bailey announces his peaceful transition. William Sussex and Tiney Ann Bailey, of Holly Springs, Mississippi, welcomed their precious son on July 22, 1948. On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, James Riley Bailey received grace, mercy, and God’s gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. His beloved family bore witness, as they held his hand to glory on that blessed day.

Dr. Bailey believed that continuous learning, growth, and development, along with faith and service, catapulted and shaped individuals into evolving into their best possible selves. Throughout his lifetime, he mentored to his peers, family, and friends, allowing them to choose solutions that would yield the most desirable outcome for what they faced then and even later. Hence, it came as no surprise that he taught math earlier in his career to high school students. His math teacher, Earl Ingram, at Capleville High, inspired his inquisitive and thirsty brain cells in that direction. He, also, knew that the greatest teacher ever was Jesus Christ, who taught in parables and by example. While Riley, as many affectionately called him, knew he was only a man. He remained inspired by Our Lord and Earl Ingram.

Dr. Bailey, after attending Lemoyne-Owen for a year, obtained a B.S. in Education from Memphis State. Afterwards, he received a M.A. in Sociology and a M.S. in Psychology from the University of Memphis. In 1992, an opportunity arose, and he enrolled in a program at the University of Memphis, adding a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to his repertoire.

Dr. Bailey worked for the Tennessee Mental Health Department, Memphis City Schools, and Shelby County Schools, from which he recently retired, May 5, 2021. He also consulted in his two private practices in mid-town and Germantown, the latter through June of 2020. In those blended and various capacities, he consulted with clients, assessed, and supervised school social workers and psychologists for the Alternative Schools. The support his team and he provided to the schools of greatest need served as a reminder of how important mental health is to sustaining balance and assurance in individuals, families, and communities.

Dr. Bailey attended Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church and served often on The Right of Passage for Boys Committee. He mentored to youth from the Boys and Girls Club, as they were his extended family. He believed it truly was more blessed to give of resources and service; therefore, he gave his time freely in charitable gifts while serving on various boards throughout the community.

He loved his wife, children, sisters, brothers, and numerous other family members more than life itself. He would do anything to make them happy. What a selfless servant he became as he continued to grow and develop. He lost himself in others and their affairs. Perhaps, that is one reason God promoted him to a new assignment. We will forever love and miss him, while we continue his legacy and follow his examples for living and fighting the good fight.

James leaves his beloved wife of 10 years, Cheryl Blanchard Bailey; his daughters and son, Chloe Michelle, Bria Nicholle, and James Evan (Celeste). He also leaves his beloved sisters and brother; Katherine Madlock, Lee Simelton, Ruth Bryson, and Clyde Bailey (Shelia), as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members.

A private family service is scheduled Tuesday, June 15, at Elmwood Historic Cemetery with burial following on the street, Road of Honor. Family visitation begins at 1, service at 2, and burial at 3 in the afternoon.

A public viewing is scheduled, Monday, June 14, between 4-6, at the Walnut Grove Location at 2944 Walnut Grove Road.

For additional information, contact R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home at (901) 235-8169.

In lieu of flowers, or as your heart dictates, please send donations to the Multiple Myeloma Foundation in his memory.

Guest Book

We never knew you were ill. That's just the kind of person you were. You'd always ask about everyone else, never complaining about your life struggles. We will never forget your contributions to the Department of Exceptional Children throughout the years at MCS and SCS. Until we meet again, as you would often say, "bye for now."

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I was lost and you showed me the way. I was sick and you provided mental medicine for me. I never saw myself until you allowed me to pull off my many masks. Thank you!

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Sending my love and prayers to the family May God give you strength and peace at your time of bereavement

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Thank you for being a tireless professional, a helpful supervisor, my Mentor and a good friend. You will be missed, but never forgotten. It's not goodbye but see you later... Rest now ! Dr. Janon Wilson- Wilbourn

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No words can express our love for a wonderful man. My heartfelt condolences to your family , you and friends . Renee' Booker

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No words can express our love for a wonderful man. My heartfelt condolences to your family , you and friends . Renee' Booker

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My thoughts and prayers are prayed that God may comfort your family. In this your time of loss may the grace and peace of God be your strength. Gwendolyn Jackson, Admin Assist for SCS Mental Health Center

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Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Dr. Bailey will be dearly missed. The entire Bailey Family are in our thoughts and prayers. Eric & Mary Thomas - Shelby County Schools

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The family loves you so much and misses your advice and answers to all the millions of questions we asked. Now we have to go figure. One thing we know for sure is heaven has one generous and smart soul. Your family!

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I remember when my grandmother babysat the kids. He would always ask about my boys who went to daycare school with Evan. Very nice man. May god bless his family and friends. Rest Dr. Bailey

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I will miss my uncle James but God know best ❤🙏♥💙...I love you uncle James RIP

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My heart and prayers are with the family of Dr. James Bailey. He was an incredible family man and professional. May the Lord keep the family close.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN