Jm Bailey

JM Bailey was born on February 1, 1930 in Eufaula, Oklahoma. His parents were Will and Bertha Bailey. He had one brother and one sister. JM attended Eufaula Public Schools and then served in the US Army 45th Division as Mess Sgt during the Korean Conflict. He was known as the best cook in the division. Ms. Betty Nelson was the piano player for the Assembly of God Church in Eufaula who caught the attention of her "Mister". JM and Betty were married on March 15, 1955 and joined the restaurant business in June 1955. JM"s was the place to eat, Chicken Fried Steaks, T-bones, and Ribeye"s. They were nationally known for his BBQ Ribs and Brisket on Thursday Nights and the best Steaks and Seafood on Friday Nights. It was normal for him to prepare 20-30 slabs of ribs every Thursday. People would travel from Texas, Arkansas and across Oklahoma just to come and eat on the weekends. JM always liked to serve fresh food and veggies so he had local farmers provide him with fresh goodies from their gardens. No 9 Hwy was named JM Bailey Highway, he was so proud of that. Ms. Betty was the cashier and his daughter Malinda started waitressing at the age of 6 years old. Malinda remembers standing on milk crates to reach the ticket counter. But Grandma Nelson was always available to lend a hand. JM also enjoyed horse and dog races. They retired from the restaurant in 2011. In 2016 they moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico to be close to their daughter and son-in-law Malinda and Arthur. JM always bragged about his son-in-law and said "Well my daughter found her a good man", I don"t have to worry about her. JM was a member of several organizations including: The Oklahoma Fire Fighters, the Scottish Rite Society, the Eufaula Masonic Lodge #1, Shriners International and The Eufaula VFW Post 8798. He was also a member of the Eufaula Assembly of God Church. Survivors include: his wife Betty Jean Bailey and his daughter Malinda Meese and husband Arthur.