Jimmy Rollon Dailey

Jim Dailey: A Life Filled with Grit, Service, and Adventure

Jim Dailey, a man known for his unwavering work ethic, unwavering dedication to his community, and adventurous spirit, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, in Marked Tree, Arkansas, at the age of 87. Born on July 17, 1936, in a humble log cabin in the Coldwater Township near Parking, Arkansas, to Sloan and Ruth Dailey, Jim learned the value of hard work and resilience at a young age.

Jim graduated from Marked Tree High School and embarked on a 46-year career with the E. Ritter Telephone Company.   Starting as a lineman, he climbed poles and maintained lines, eventually becoming the central office engineer, playing a crucial role in keeping the community connected. Jim simultaneously dedicated himself to his mother’s farm, nearly single-handedly tending to it for numerous years.

As a member of the First Baptist Church in Marked Tree, Jim served on the building committee and has his named etched on the east cornerstone. His commitment to service extended beyond the church walls, where he served as a scout master, lodge advisor, and camp director in the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award and Vigil Honor for his service.

Jim was a magician with electronics. He possessed an uncanny ability to diagnose and fix any electronic contraption made before 1984, earning him the admiration of his community and the nickname “McGyver” for his resourcefulness. Whether it was a broken radio, a malfunctioning appliance, or a complex communication system, Jim could seemingly fix it with nothing more than a toolbox, some ingenuity, and a twinkle in his eye.

An adventurer at heart, Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He reveled in hunting and fishing and spent many unforgettable summers prospecting for gold in the Alaskan wilderness. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Pat Lawson Dailey, his parents, Sloan and Ruth Turnbow Dailey, brothers Talmadge and Sloan Dailey, Jr., and sisters Jo Ann Dailey and Dora Layman.

He is survived by his son: James Patrick Dailey and his partner Mary Elizabeth Eberle of Jonesboro. He is also survived by his brother Danny Dailey and his wife Pat of Hughes, sisters Katy Carter and her husband J.C. Carter of Marked Tree, Bess Dailey of Marked Tree, and Veckie Burns of Hughes.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Marked Tree, Arkansas.   The funeral service will follow immediately at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow in Marked Tree Cemetery.

Delancey Funeral Home in Marked Tree is in charge of the arrangements.