Final Salute

James Arthur Bailey, age 101, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at his Chatsworth residence. Born on April 15, 1925, Mr. Bailey lived a long and remarkable life marked by service, hard work and commitment to family.

Mr. Bailey was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years, Nellie Marie Bailey; his sons, Joel Bailey and Jimmy Bailey; his parents, Susan and Arthur Bailey; his brother, Millard Bailey; and his sisters, Myrtle West, Lois Ferguson, and Desi May Seals.

He is survived by his son, Michael Bailey; daughters and son-in-law, Deborah Jones and Cindy and Chip Howalt; daughters-in-law, Phyllis Bailey and Charlene Bailey; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A proud United States Navy veteran, Mr. Bailey answered the call to serve his country at an early age. Determined to enlist during World War II, he forged his birth certificate and joined the Navy at just 16 years old. He began his military service as a Seabee stationed in the Philippines and later served aboard the USS Macon. During his ten years of military service, which spanned both World War II and the Korean War, he participated in the Guadalcanal campaign and other military operations. Through dedication, courage, and leadership, he attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer before receiving an honorable discharge.

In 1953, he married the love of his life, Nellie Winkler Bailey, and together they built a loving family and shared more than seven decades of marriage. Mr. Bailey owned and operated a successful electrical and plumbing contracting business for many years. He took great pride in his work and in teaching the trade to his three sons, each of whom followed in his footsteps and continued careers in the electrical contracting industry.

Mr. Bailey will be remembered for his patriotism, strong work ethic and commitment to his family. His legacy lives on through the generations that follow him.

Funeral services for Mr. Bailey will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Peeples Funeral Home in Chatsworth, Georgia. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 2:00 p.m. Peeples Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bailey family.

A military honors ceremony and salute will follow the service at Cool Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Murray County Veterans Memorial Park in honor of Mr. Bailey’s faithful service and patriotism. (120 E Cherokee St, Chatsworth, GA 30705)

Though he will be greatly missed, his family finds comfort in a life well lived and in the countless memories he leaves behind.

Peeples Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements for James Arthur Bailey.