Obituary of Jeffery Lee Bailey
Jeffery Lee Bailey
Jeffery Lee Bailey passed away at the age of 56, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Chicago, IL. He was born on August 8, 1968, in Joliet, IL, the beloved son of the late Jerry and Loretta (nee Fitts) Bailey. A graduate of Joliet Central High School, Jeff participated actively in athletics, playing baseball and competing on the school’s bowling team. His passion for sports and mentorship followed him throughout his life, greatly influencing those around him.
Jeff was the proud owner of a successful trucking business that delivered for Bay Furniture. He was also a Press Operator at Sir Speedy. Most recently, he served as the Manager of Joliet Town and Country Lanes, where he shared his love for the sport and his knowledge with bowlers of all ages.
Jeff participated in numerous USBC Open Championships, formerly known as ABC’s. He was able to accomplish three 300 games during his bowling career. He served as President of the Joliet Softball Association, was a member of the Joliet Area USBC Board, and was inducted into the Joliet Area USBC Hall of Fame in October 2023.
His coaching career was marked by notable success and deep personal commitment. Jeff guided the Boys Bowling team at Plainfield South High School to a State Championship in 2010 and later led the Girls Bowling team at Joliet West High School to another State Championship in 2016. At the time of his passing, he was the Head Bowling Coach for Joliet Junior College, where he continued to mentor and inspire numerous young athletes.
Jeff is survived by his loving daughter, Taylor Bailey; his dear sister, Judy (Rob) Barton; his niece, Karlee Barton; his mother-in-law, LeAnne Conway; and sisters-in-law, Lori (Clark) Gilbert, Mary (Ken) Spreitzer, and Sandra (Jim) Ernst. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
He is preceded in death by his cherished wife, Colleen Patricia (nee Conway) Bailey; his step-daughter, Nicole Wildharber; his parents; and his father-in-law, William Conway.
Jeff will always be remembered as a loving and selfless man devoted to his family and community. He was deeply loved and will be missed by his family, friends, and the many individuals he guided throughout his life. His legacy of compassion, dedication, and mentorship will live on in the lives he touched.
The family would like to thank George and Cindy Kontos for always accepting Jeff as part of their family as well as the Joliet Town and Country Lanes “Family” for being such an important part of his life.
Funeral Services for Jeffery Lee Bailey will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, in Lockport, IL. Visitation will be held at the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Gift of Hope Community Foundation, 425 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca, IL 60143-2076.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
