Welcomed into the arms of Jesus, Jaxson Edward James Bailey, 10 months of Olney, Illinois, passed away at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.  Loved beyond measure, his brief life brightened every day.

      Jaxson was born November 18, 2024, the son of Nathan Alan Bailey and Katilyn Hitt.

      Even though he spent so much of his life in the hospital, he was a very happy baby with a big personality.  He was beginning to find his voice and could show his “redheaded temper.”  His eyes sparkled when his grandmother blew bubbles and helped him pop them as they drifted by.  He loved fresh air and the comfort of his stuffed animals—especially his beloved frog, “Mr. Froggy.” He also enjoyed the activities at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, including the petting zoos and visits from St. Louis Cardinals players who came to play ball with the children.  Jaxson may have been small, but he was a courageous fighter in every way.

      Jaxson is survived by his father: Nathan Bailey (Karlie Rock) of Olney; mother: Katilyn Hitt of Gary, Indiana; brother: Blaze Forrest of Mt. Vernon; paternal grandmother: Genn Bailey of Olney; paternal grandfathers: Leonard Miller of Olney and Jamie Bailey of Beecher City; maternal grandfather: Tim Counts of Searcy, Arkansas; maternal grandmother: Michelle Ramirez of Gillespie; paternal great grandmother: Eileen Whitaker of Olney; maternal great grandmother: Virgina Cartwright of Greenville; maternal great grandfather: William Cartwright of Edwardsville; paternal great-great grandmother: Alice Bourne of Urbana; uncles: James Bailey of Noble and Caleb Blade of Creal Springs; aunts: Melinda Bailey of Olney, Nikki Watson of Flora, and Suzy Randle of Staunton; a special cousin: Michael James Bailey-Simmons of Flora; a great-great uncle: Bill (Tammy) Mefford of Rinard; and several other aunts and uncles.

      He is preceded in passing by his paternal great grandfathers: Bud Crank and James “Wick” Whitaker and his paternal great-great grandfathers: Ed Mefford and Harry Bourne.

      A celebration of Jaxson’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Caleb Baker officiating.  A visitation will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with medical expenses, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com