James Neal Bails
James “Jimmy” “Jamo” Neal Bails, of Canonsburg, died after a lengthy illness Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at the age of 78. Jim was born July 6, 1940, in Canonsburg, to Arretta Mildred Kennell Bails and Boyd Albert Bails. He graduated from East Washington High School in 1959, where he excelled at many sports. An Air Force veteran, he served during the Vietnam Crisis at Alamogordo Air Force Base (AFB) in New Mexico and in Goose Bay AFB in Labrador, Canada. On December 5, 1965, he married Tina Katherine Smales Babin in All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Canonsburg.
He is survived by his wife, Tina Bails; children Jamie Bails (Erik) Richardson of Eighty Four, Margaret “Lisa” Bails (Aaron) Froyd of Canonsburg, William (Jennifer) Bails of Salisbury, Md.; grandchildren Dylan, Tanner, Logan and Skyler Bails, James and Diana Merigo and Elizabeth Richardson; sister Rita Bails Smiddle (Bob) Senay; sisters-in-law Karen (Frank) Bails, Pat (Donald) Carter and Elizabeth (Rodney) Miller; brother-in-law Paul (Sherry) Babin; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Jim opened his home, unofficially “adopting” exchange student Alfonzo (Krystal) Alvarez-Pallete, in 1988.
He is preceded in death by siblings Elizabeth “Bettty” Carter Bails; brothers George “Bill” Carter, Donald Carter, Rev. Charles Bails, Harry “Rocky” Bails and Frank Bails; sister-in-law Barbara “Patti” Bails; and brothers-in-law Donald Bails and Ronald Smiddle.
Jim worked at U.S. Steel in Homestead, as a crane operator. He worked and retired from PA Transformer, later known as McGraw Edison, and then as Cooper Industries as a crane operator and oscillating sheer man. A hard-working man, he was also a third generation roofer, working in his family’s business alongside his grandfather, father, brothers and nephews. He attended Community College of Allegheny County, where he pursued a degree as a building maintenance supervisor.
Jim was a lifelong member of Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church, Canonsburg, participating on their softball and bowling teams. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and close friends. He also enjoyed playing golf, card games and slot machines. Bingo nights with sisters-in-law Carol Bails Dunn and Patti Powers Bails, and niece Kandee Bails Kovatch were treasured.
Jim was a member of the Chartier’s Lodge 297, a 32nd degree member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh and a member of the Syria Shriner Temple of Pittsburgh. His lifelong aspirations were to paint the US Steel smoke stacks and to become a member of the Shriners Auxiliary Parade Unit driving mini cars to raise money for the Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Many caregivers have protected the quality of Jim’s life since his long-term illness began, more than 16 years ago, particularly full time companions Christina Devers and Diane Cline.
Family and friends are welcome from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 22, in Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church. Services will be held at 9:30 a.m., with the Rev. Peggy Shannon, officiating. Masonic services will follow in the church, followed by burial in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, with Trisagion services celebrated by the Rev. George L. Livanos. Full military honors will be accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars post 191 honor guard.
Arrangements entrusted to Sollon Funeral and Cremation Services, Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317, 724-746-1000, Phillip L. Sollon, supervisor, J. David Sollon, director. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick, PA, 15024, in Jim’s name.
Visit www.sollon.com to leave condolences.