Obituary of Johnathan Isaac Bailey

Johnathan "John" Isaac Bailey, a Navy Veteran Who Sailed the Seas, Tinkered with Tools John Bailey, a seasoned Navy veteran whose life was a tapestry woven with adventure, service, and an insatiable curiosity for all things mechanical, passed away on April 4, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on March 15, 1937, in  Yakima, Washington. John's journey began with humble roots on the farm, attending Prosser School before embarking on a two-decade voyage with the U.S. Navy in 1955. His service took him across vast oceans, including a year spent in Vietnam. John's unwavering dedication and expertise as an instructor were recognized with numerous accolades, including the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and many others. His last command was aboard the USS Peoria, a fitting finale to a career spent navigating treacherous waters and safeguarding the nation's interests.

In 1967, while stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, John found his life's anchor in Yvonne Human, with whom he embarked on a new adventure called marriage. After retiring from the Navy, the couple landed in John's beloved Superior, where he traded the rolling waves for the tranquil shores of Lake Superior. John's passion for tinkering and fixing things knew no bounds. Whether it was maintaining the facilities at Parkland or keeping the machinery humming as a maintenance mechanic at UW-Superior, his deft hands and keen intellect ensured that nothing remained broken for long. When not immersed in his work, John found solace in the great outdoors, indulging his love for hunting, fishing and gardening. His workshop, a sanctuary of tools and half-assembled treasures, was a testament to his insatiable curiosity and ability to breathe new life into the forgotten.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Yvonne, son David Wallace,  his parents, and siblings, John's legacy lives on through his children: Tina Bailey, Hope Wisher, Obie (Raelyn) Bailey, and Shannon (James) Guzzo, as well as his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his cherished friends, Pete and Wendy Bosl.

John's family invites all those whose lives he touched to gather and celebrate his remarkable journey at the Lake Nebagamon Cemetery on April 20, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at VIP Superior, Wisconsin, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. There, amidst the embrace of loved ones, they will raise a glass to a life well-lived, a heart forever anchored in service, and a spirit that knew no bounds.