James Bayless

James W. "Bill" Bayless, 83, of West Alexander, Pa. died at 2:25 a.m. Thursday, January 31, 2013 in the Wheeling Hospital, Medical Park, Wheeling, W.Va. after suffering heart failure one week ago.He was born June 8, 1929 in Akron, Ohio a son of the late Everett and Clara Shaler Bayless and had resided in the West Alexander area most of his life.Mr. Bayless was a member of the West Alexander United Methodist Church and attended the former West Alexander High School.He was also a member of the West Alexander American Legion Post 656 and the West Alexander Golden Agers Senior Citizens.Mr. Bayless enjoyed hunting, camping and cutting wood as long as his health permitted, he was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.He was a veteran of World War II where served as a Seaman with the U.S. Navy, aboard the USS LSMR 514, USS Kenneth Bailey, USS Chandeleur and received the World War II Victory Medal.Mr. Bayless was formerly employed as a fleet mechanic with the former Farm Dairy Co-Op in Triadelphia, W.Va. and was last employed as a mechanic at the U.S. Postal maintenance facility in Wheeling, W.Va. for 26 years prior to retiring in 1985.On September 2, 1950 he married Ruth Eileen Bardall who died September 2, (56th wedding anniversary) 2006.Surviving are two sons, Steve Bayless of West Alexander and Gregory (Shorty) Bayless of Gelbert, Az.; two daughters, Connie Rush of Washington and Deborah Ryan of Burgettstown; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; two brother-in-laws, John Bardall and Thomas, husband of Marge Bardall both of Freeport, Ohio; his best friend and companion Wanda Jean McCord of Valley Grove, W.Va.; several nieces and nephews.Deceased in addition to his parents and his wife is a sister, Marjory Ragozzino; two son-in-laws, Mark Ryan and John Rush.The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the West Alexander United Methodist Church, PO Box 302, West Alexander, Pa. 15376.