It’s with great sadness for us that our loving brother, James “Mark” Bailey, passed from this life on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, but was a great joy for him, because his name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and he got to meet his Lord & Savior, Jesus.
Although he began his life in Borger, Texas, on February 21,1957, Mark always considered himself a native of Arizona, because he was so little when our parents moved here. He was a 1975 graduate of Mesa High School, and went on to work in the electrical field for a few years, until he found his calling, which was furniture. Mark had a gift for finding unique furniture pieces, and refurbishing them, so they could be enjoyed by many. In 1998, he opened his first little used furniture store called, “Down River Trading Co.” on the trail (Main St), in Mesa. After much success, he opened a larger consignment store named, “Blue Ridge Furniture.” In 2008, after ten years in the business, he and his partner, Linda, purchased Grandpa’s Furniture, which has been on the trail for over 40 years, and ventured into selling both new and pre-owned consignment furniture.
Mark had a passion for people, and it showed in the way customers would return year after year, many times just to shoot the breeze. He built a reputation for being service-oriented, and would often repair furniture brought in by customers who didn’t know where else to turn. They would always leave happy, then go tell their friends and neighbors of how helpful he was. That was Mark’s favorite way of advertising. It’s a sure thing he will be missed by family, his many friends, and loyal customer’s.
Mark is preceded in death by our parents, Barbara Jane (Fowler) and B.J. Bailey. He’s survived by his brother, Michael, of Lewiston, Idaho; his sister, Micki Bailey-Moore; his nephew, Andrew Moore; and, his business partner of 24 years, Linda Bailey, all of Mesa.
According to his last wishes, Mark requested no memorial services to be held, and asked for his ashes to be dispersed near the Superstition Mountains, which he loved.
Arrangements were handled by Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery.
