Jim and Linda Bailey celebrate 55 years of marriage
•September 23, 2026•
by Jamie Crosier
At Okaw Valley Orchard, Jim and Linda Bailey’s displays of affection have occasionally drawn some good-natured reminders from their family.
Their daughter Jennifer said her parents remain comfortable hugging and kissing in front of their children, grandchildren and even orchard employees. The younger generations have a standard response: Take the public displays of affection elsewhere.
The teasing comes after 55 years of marriage for the rural Sullivan couple, who celebrated their anniversary Aug. 28.
Their story began with a blind date arranged by Jim’s sister.
Linda Leftridge was 19 and had graduated from DeSoto High School in May 1970. Jim Bailey was 21 and had graduated from Mt. Zion High School in May 1967 when his sister brought the two together.
Linda recalled an almost immediate connection.