Bailey family is joined by loving co-workers and employees to celebrate retirement
1/15/2015 2:00:00 PM - Tribal Observer

By Joseph V. Sowmick, Photojournalist

On Dec. 12, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council, SCIT Public Relations and the SCIT Utilities department came together to celebrate one of our own. A packed Tribal Operations Seniors Room was filled with family, coworkers and community that came together in celebration of Jim Bailey and his 20 years of service to the Tribe. Jim is employed as the Waste Water Treatment Manager in the Utilities Department and his official last day is slated for Jan. 2, 2015. 

He was gifted with a specially monogrammed Tribal Pendleton Blanket from Tribal Council with Chief Steve Pego, Council Member Michele Stanley and SCIT Public Relations Director Frank Cloutier doing the presentation in front of the appreciative audience of well-wishers.

“I started working with my good friend Stan Sineway at Utilities and finished working with Director of Facilities Barry Skutt,” Bailey said. “I met lots and lots of good people here over the years and my idea of leaving with no fanfare went out the window today… I appreciate everyone who came out and thanks to all!”

His wife (Mary Lue Bailey) was deeply moved by the outpouring of affection. 

“Jim and I started out our married life in 1968 and two days later he went to Vietnam,” Mary Lue said. “Over 46 years later, we have had many wonderful years of being a part of the Tribe and this community… it is a blessing raising our families here and watching their lives grow and change.”

“Jim started working for the Tribe after suffering a heart attack in his mid 40's. He was hired into Utilities, by Director Stan Sineway,” Mary Lue said. “He started out in the recycling department.  Even though he was a machine maintenance person, he loved his job.”

“When Richard Tillman, Tim Davis and Phil Peters, to name a few, starting moving forward with plans for a Waste Water Treatment Plant, both Jim and Stan were included.  What a joyous, challenge they had to be able to start a program and initiate a plant,” Mary Lue said. “It was one of a kind never seen before in Michigan, let alone on a Reservation. After six years of diligently working forward they reached their goal. In 2003, they were recognized in the Region 5 Agency, then moving forward, they achieved national honors. I remember when Washington D. C. sent a representative to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and they were awarded First Place Excellence, for Outstanding Operation and Maintenance Plant.”  

Mary Lue is excited on the new path they are taking and hope to see what adventures to explore and enjoy our retirement together. 

Tribal Council Executive Transcriptionist Misty Wolfgang beamed as she watched her dad receive the high honor.

“It was a great sense of pride we all had in watching our Tribal Council drape the monogrammed Pendleton blanket over our Dad.  Such a strong show of respect and appreciation for his 20 years of faithful service to his Tribe!  Knowing my Dad, he truly sensed the importance in their gift and the kindness in their hearts,” said. “All we can hope is that Dad spends his well-deserved retirement, this new stage in his life, doing the very things he loves with the people he loves, all of us… congratulations, Dad, you earned this!”

Rev. Lee Rhodes of the Countryside United Brethren Church offered a blessing for the food and those in attendance and felt honored to share the moment with his parishioners.

“I have gotten to know Jim and Mary Lue very well. I know he has a deep pride and affection in the rich heritage he shares with his extended family,” Rev. Rhodes said. “Jim takes great pride in his work with the Tribe and he believes we should always do our best. He and his family received much love from our congregation and we are glad to have them be a part of our church.”

Human Resources Benefits representative Heather Haynes joined in the celebration by sending a heartfelt email where she mentioned how proud her family is of their Uncle Jim.

SECR Administrative Assistant II Bethel Merrill also reflected fondly on “the sweet story”.

“I love it when I see there are stories of people appreciating the Tribe as a good place to raise their family and work,” Merrill said. “This kind of story reminds us of what are people are all about.”