Obituary of James Patrick Bailey

James Patrick "Jim" Bailey of Mountain Lakes NJ passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born and raised in Jersey City to Charles and Florence (Leonard) Bailey, Jim lived a life grounded in family, integrity and curiosity. He has called Mountain Lakes home since 1987, where he raised his beloved family and built a rich life rooted in community and learning. He served the community of Mountain Lakes for over 25 years as a member of the Lakes committee, planning board, and traffic and safety committee.

Jim attended St. Patrick's School and St. Michael's High School in Jersey City before earning his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Seton Hall University. His passion for science and learning led him to pursue a Master's Degree from Stevens Institute of Technology and, ultimately, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Seton Hall. In 1962 he served in the U.S. Army Reserves; providing many great stories of giving the drill sergeants a challenging but successful cadet.

A leader in the biotechnology industry, Jim spent much of his career at Roche Molecular Systems in Belleville and Branchburg, NJ. Jim took great pride in his efforts to establish polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a diagnostic tool. His meticulous attention to detail helped him rise to the position of Vice President before retiring in 2004 after many years of dedicated service.

Outside of his professional accomplishments Jim lived life with great enthusiasm. An avid golfer and longtime member of the Rockaway River Country Club in Denville he also loved cooking and was a passionate student of history - particularly the Civil War. He was an enthusiastic fan of the New Jersey Devils--a love he shared with his brother, daughters, and many friends. Jim was a proud alumnus of the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum & Bugle Corps. He was also a clever prankster and accomplished competitor in the Triumph Sports Car Club’s road rallies. With his love of history and transportation he was a member of the Tri-State Railway Historical Society and the Canal Society of New Jersey. Jim proudly took part in the “Muffin Men”, a society of self-described cantankerous curmudgeons, whose camaraderie brought him much joy.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved brother Leonard Bailey in 2004.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years Barbara Lee (Tonn) Bailey of Mountain Lakes, NJ; his loving daughters, Danielle Elizabeth Bailey of Stamford, CT, and Shannon Mae Bailey of Worcester, MA; his sister-in-law Carole Bailey of Wells, ME; his niece Karen (Bailey) Woodring of Andover, MA, and his nephew Charlie Bailey of Drexel Hill, PA.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services,16 Righter Avenue Denville NJ 07834, ,www.normandean.com. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday,May 19 at 10:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 10 North Pocono Road Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ.

Memorial donations may be made in Jim's memory to support the Morris Canal restoration efforts of the Canal Society of New Jersey via www.inmemof.org.

Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him-for his warmth, wit, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to his family.