James Thomas Bailey Jr. 84 of Needham died on Saturday on January 7, 2006 in Needham. Born in New York City Mr. Bailey grew up in Flushing New York and attended New York University. Mr. Bailey excelled in Sports and played semi- pro baseball for 5 years in New York City. He later enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII. After his tour in the Coast Guard he went to work as a Banker at the Suffolk Franklin Savings in Boston and remained there for his entire banking career when he retired in 1984 after 40 years of service. A Needham resident of over 55 years Mr. Bailey was well known at the ball fields as the # 1 Sports Fan where he watched his three grandchildren play all sports, never missing a game. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion Post #14 in Needham and the Needham retired Men’s Club where he played in the band. Jim was the beloved husband of 58 years of Elizabeth (Cranton). Loving father of James C. and his wife Tina Bailey and Robert B. and his wife Elaine Bailey all of Needham. Dear grandfather and number 1 Sports Fan of Robbie, Andrea and Allen all of Needham. Funeral from the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Tuesday January 10th at 9:00 AM followed by A Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours Monday 4-7 PM. Interment service with Military Honor will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Needham. In lieu of flowers memorials in Jim’s memory may be made to The Oncology Department, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, 148 Chestnut St. Needham MA 02492.