Jay Bailey

Jay Bailey was born December 22, 1965, in Spokane, WA, to Clara and Marvin Bailey. He was an identical twin to Jim Bailey—though the question of who was the older brother remained a debate that was never settled. Jay and Jim were the youngest of six children, preceded in death by his sister, Judy.

On April 22, 2025, Jay passed away unexpectedly at home, from a heart attack, after his morning routine of walking the family dog, Coco. Jay was a man who loved with all his heart. He was a brother, a father, who would drop everything to be there, a loving husband, a best friend, a helping neighbor, a master woodworker, an open and gracious human to strangers, and the most caring and reliable of friends. His love language was cooking for his family every evening.

Jay could weave a wonderful story, loved to sing, and spend time with his family in nature. The warmth of his hugs were comforting, and he always greeted everyone with a smile and handshake. Jay was with his loving wife, Alison, for 22 years. She never believed in love at first sight until she saw Jay’s kind, smiling eyes. He was a light of all lights. What a profound gift of love he gave us.

Jay loved all of his children dearly, and cared deeply for their well-being.

Dream Of The Great Bear: Poem by Brook and McCabe I Slept beneath the stars beacon light I saw Great Bear run through the night He growled at the moon He clawed at the dark He chased through the comet’s flaming sparks

I followed him to the comet’s rainbow I saw Great Bear dance in its colored glow We swooped through red We danced through the night

I soared up to the glowing moon’s shape I saw Great Bear leaping in its silver lake We floated in its rise We rested in its fall We played as first dawnlight sparkled on all

I laughed as the shootin’ star spun away I saw Great Bear follow its trail, to day He leapt over clouds He brushed past the sun He called me to see that the morning had come

I slept beneath the stars’ beacon light I saw Great Bear run through the night We danced with the comet We rested on the moon When night comes again. I’ll see Great Bear soon.

~Jay Darling, we miss you. You were our fishing guide. We will remember you in every way; especially as we sit on the front porch, or in the mountains looking at the star filled night sky. We love you with all our hearts. Alison Bailey & Althea Bailey

Jay’s Celebration of Life will be held 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2025, at The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, 300 S Capital Ave, Idaho Falls.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Henry's Fork Foundation, henrysfork.org/donate , or The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, theartmuseum.org .

We are so grateful for everyone who has offered support at this time.