John Kennedy Bailey Obituary

John Kennedy Bailey was an attorney and councilman from Charleston, WV. He passed away in a car accident last Wednesday. A tree fell on his vehicle as he was driving home from a soccer practice. The accident caused injuries that led to his death.

Bailey was a devoted family man. He and his wife Holly were the parents of three children. They had one son, Jack, and two daughters, Brooks and Lisette.

Bailey grew up in Fairmont, WV. While attending Fairmont Senior High School, he served as class president. In 1964, he was nominated for the U.S. House of Representatives. His political career was a long one. Besides his elected positions, he was a high school teacher in Lost Creek and taught classes at Fairmont State College. He also was a registered broker for a number of financial services companies.

Throughout his life, Bailey made a point to volunteer and do what he could to improve the city of Charleston. During his tenure as a council member, he served on the Environment and Recycling Committee and the Ordinance and Rules Committee.

For his service, Bailey received the West Virginia Meritorious Service Medal. Additionally, he was an Eagle Scout in his teen years, earning the rank of lieutenant commander. Bailey also earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University. After graduating from law school, he clerked for a number of Wall Street firms.

Bailey loved to travel, and was passionate about a number of issues. While he was on the Charleston City Council, he worked to renovate rental properties in the historic East End of Charleston. Among his friends, he was known for his calm voice and keen intellect.

One of his most important contributions was his scholarship for college students. Through his work, he created the John Kennedy Bailey Memorial Law Scholarship. This scholarship will assist West Virginia students who are interested in pursuing a legal education.

Bailey’s funeral will be held at the Stafford Family Funeral Home on Saturday, December 2, at 1 pm. He will be laid to rest in Palm Memorial Gardens. Pastor Jackie Grimmett will officiate the service. Other surviving family members include his wife, Holly, and their three children.

In addition to his work on the city council, John Kennedy Bailey was appointed to serve as the chairman of the Environment and Recycling Committee. Bailey was also appointed to the Charleston Land Reuse Agency.

John was a hard-working individual who always treated colleagues with kindness. He often invited friends and family to events. He had a knack for wit, and he always led with integrity.

After his passing, the city of Charleston paid tribute to him with a small memorial located next to the stairs to city hall. Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said that it has been difficult to deal with the loss of Bailey. She noted that he “was a good friend and a great leader.”

Bailey’s life was filled with passion. He had a good sense of humor and loved to party. Although he loved his friends and family, he also had a passion for improving the city.