James Edward Bailey, Jr.

East Providence - James E. Bailey, Jr., 69, of East Providence, RI passed away on  Wednesday June 10th 2026, surrounded by his family who loved him deeply. A lifelong Townie, he was the son of the late James and Anna Bailey.

He was married to his beloved wife, Julie, for just shy of 43 years, a lifetime filled with love, laughter, memories, and probably more than a few moments where Julie deserved a trophy. Together, they raised three children, Derek (Lauren), Corey (Lauren), and Karissa (Chris). He was the proud Papa of Emma, Cole, Chloe, and Macie.

Before owning his own business, James was an ironworker with Local 37. He later became a hardworking general contractor and ran his own business for many years. He approached life with determination, grit, and the belief that if something needed to be done, he would figure it out. He was tough, strong-willed, and never one to give up. He taught his family to work hard, stand up for themselves, and fight for what they wanted, even if that meant raising their voices just a hair.

He loved his friends, and his friends loved him. Known as “the mayor” no matter the ZIP code, he seemed to know everyone wherever he went. His favorite place was his home in Fort Myers Beach, where he could relax, be himself, and enjoy the life he worked so hard to build.

He was a veteran of the United States Army. He was also a proud member of the East Providence Athletic Club, the Tri-City Elks Lodge #14, Moose of Fort Myers Beach, Florida Lodge #964, the East Greenwich Veterans Firemen’s Association, and the American Legion Post 81. He also coached East Providence Central Little League for many years, sharing his love of sports and leaving a lasting impact on countless athletes.

Above all, he loved to make people laugh. He was a prankster with jokes for days, and even if you had heard the same one a gazillion times, somehow, it still made you laugh. He had a way of turning ordinary moments into stories people would tell again and again.

He made life memorable, taking the boat out, camping at Strawberry Park, gathering with family and friends, and filling every moment with laughter, stories, and usually a few jokes. He lived big, loved hard, and left behind memories that will be carried by everyone who knew him.

He was the kind of man who showed up, every single time. His family knew they could call him, and he would come. That is the kind of love that does not need fancy words; it is love proven over and over through action.

He is also survived by his sisters, Kathy Lord and her husband Stephen, and Cyndy Rupp and her husband Bill; his mother-in-law, Joan Degnan; brother-in-law, Edward “Tiger” Rose; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was deeply loved, endlessly funny, and impossible to replace. His family and friends will miss his jokes, his stories, his stubbornness, his strength, and the way he filled every room he walked into.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 15, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.  in the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME ,901 Broadway ,  East Providence, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to HopeHealth Hospice ,1085 North Main St, Providence, RI, 02904, with deep gratitude for the kindness, comfort, and dignity they provided to him and his family during his final days.

www.rebellofuneralhomes.com.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James Edward Bailey, Jr., please visit our Tree Store.