Mr. Bailes was born on March 12, 1941, in Albemarle County and was a son of the late James Franklin and Ruth Virginia (Rea) Bailes. J.C. retired from DuPont in 2000 where he worked for 31 ½ years as a machine operator. He was an avid sports fan, especially the University of Virginia. He loved Cavalier baseball, basketball, and football.

Mr. Bailes was a 1959 graduate of Albemarle High School. During his senior season, he was named MVP of the baseball team. J.C. also enjoyed playing guitar and was a talented songwriter of gospel music, writing more than 200 songs. He was also a member of the Waynesboro Free Methodist Church.

On June 9, 1961, he married the former Patricia Tomlin who survives.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, J.C. is survived by his children, Jeffrey Bailes of Stuarts Draft, Angie Bailes Cole and husband Chris of Waynesboro; a sister, Jean Patton of Waynesboro; and two grandchildren, Elias and Grayson Bailes, both of Stuarts Draft. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Billy Bailes, Bobby Bailes, Betty Trainum, and Shirley Pace.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 2 PM at the Lebanon Presbyterian Church in Greenwood, with Pastor Scott Brodd officiating.

There will be no formal visitation at the funeral home.

Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.

Submitted by Barbara Goodman Fitzgerald for Goldie Tomlin.