JAMES RODNEY BAILES of Huntington, W.Va., was born April 3, 1939, in Clay, W.Va., to Alva and Iva Acree Bailes. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Harold "Harry" Bailes. James "Jim" graduated from Clay County High School in 1957 and Marshall University in 1960 with a BA degree in history and political science. He received a law degree from the University of Virginia, where he was editor of the Virginia Law Review.

After graduation, despite having numerous opportunities with some of the largest law firms in the nation, Jim chose to return to West Virginia to practice law. Jim began his distinguished 60-year career as ajudicial law clerk in Parkersburg, then joined the law firm of Campbell Woods Bagley, where he practiced for over 30 years, finally founding his own law firm in 1996. As the namesake and founding partner of that firm, Jim continued to practice law until his death. Among his many professional accomplishments, he was instrumental in the formation of Mountain Health Network, which is now Marshall Health.

Jim served on the board of many local organizations, including Huntington Clinical Foundation, Red Cross, and United Way, and served as presidents of Marshall Big Green Club, Guyan Golf and Country Club, and the Marshall University Board of Governors.

Always an avid Marshall fan, Jim frequently had the radio or television tuned to a game. He enjoyed talking sports with his son, Jamie, and with his many friends who shared his passion. Not only did Jim love following his favorite teams, but he also enjoyed lively competition, particularly on the golf course where he was ever striving for a hole-in-one or to break 80. Unfortunately, he never accomplished either. He was also an active fisherman and hunter, spending many wonderful hours in the woods and on the Elk River.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, son Dr. Jamie (Kim) Bailes, daughter Julie (Jonathan) Baker, brother-in-law David Eakle, and sisters-in-law, Susan Eakle and Judy Bailes (wife of his late brother). He deeply loved his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He had several nieces and nephews, including Melissa Leasure, his law partner for many years.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. The funeral will beheld at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Beard Mortuary. Burial to follow at SpringHill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Big Green ScholarshipFoundation, P.O. Box 1360, Huntington, WV 25715

 

The service will be livestreamed at www.beardmortuary.com.