Joe Claiborne Bailey
February 24, 1959 — September 20, 2024
Moriarty, NM
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Bailey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, teacher, and coach on September 20, 2024. Joe passed away surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy that has touched the lives of family and friends, as well as countless students, athletes, and community members in the Moriarty-Edgewood area.
For the last two years, Joe fought a quiet but courageous battle with cancer. He approached his illness with the same strength and determination he applied to everything in his life. Joe’s Christian faith was a guiding force for him. He didn’t speak of it often, but he lived it every day through his actions, showing kindness, humility, and integrity in all he did.
Joe is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jill; his daughters JoJo (Kris), Jana (Michael), Jacki; his grandchildren (Owen, Dexter, Nora, Andee Joe); his parents (JC & Jeynean Bailey); his siblings (Troy Bailey, Dell Willis, Coy Bailey, D’Aun Barnes, Jack Bailey, Kerri Forrest, Keith Bailey, Kelvin Bailey); and extended family. Joe is preceded in death by his grandparents Joel & Reba Holcomb, John Claiborne & Hattie Bailey, and his in-laws Donald & Dorothy Cummins.
Beloved Son, Brother, Husband, Dad, & GrandJoe
Joe was born on February 24, 1959 in Fort Sumner, NM. He grew up in a large, close knit family surrounded by his eight siblings. Joe always spoke fondly of his parents and the life lessons they instilled in him. Growing up his family enjoyed sharing camping trips, family stories, and road trip adventures. Joe carried on these traditions and passed them to his own children and grandchildren. These early experiences fostered his love for the outdoors, sports, and above all, family. He graduated from Fort Sumner High School in 1977 before going on to graduate from New Mexico State University in 1981.
Joe met the love of his life, Jill, in Tucumcari, NM in 1981, where they both began their respective teaching and coaching careers. Jill was his best friend and his constant source of strength. Their marriage was one of mutual respect and admiration, and their love story continues to inspire those who knew them. Together, they built a life filled with love and the joy of raising their three daughters. Joe loved being “GrandJoe” to his four grandchildren. Having his whole family together brought him immense happiness. He cherished family traditions, especially Christmas and holidays, when his home was filled with laughter and delicious meals. His camping and school snow day breakfasts were legendary; he loved serving others through his cooking, creating memories around the table that will live on in his family’s hearts.
Joe believed deeply in character — the kind you show when no one is watching — and he lived that belief every day. Despite his more extroverted leadership roles, Joe often came across as shy and reserved to those who didn’t know him well. However, once you were part of his inner circle, it became clear that he was anything but. Those closest to him knew a man who was warm, witty, and fiercely loyal. Joe’s sense of humor was renowned by his family and friends. He was funny and sarcastic, and could always lighten the mood with a well-timed joke or quip. Even during tough times, Joe’s humor kept those around him grounded and smiling.
A Celebrated Career in Teaching & Coaching
For over 40 years, Joe Bailey was a pillar of New Mexico high school sports, making a lasting impact on the Moriarty-Edgewood School district and the broader community. He began his career in 1984 as an assistant football and boys’ basketball coach before becoming the Head Girls' Basketball Coach, Head Track & Field Coach, and Athletic Director at Moriarty High School. His career accolades include district and state championships in football, basketball, and track and field. Joe’s contributions to New Mexico athletics were further recognized through awards such as New Mexico Track and Cross Country Coach of the Year, Southwest Girls Track and Field Region Coach of the Year, and New Mexico Athletic Director of the Year. He was inducted into the New Mexico Cross Country & Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013, the Moriarty High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023, and most recently, into the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in June 2024.
In addition to his coaching legacy, Joe had a passion for classroom teaching. He particularly loved teaching U.S. History. As a teacher, Joe was known for his ability to bring history to life through his storytelling and humor, helping students find fun in the learning process. His approach made complex topics easy to understand and remember, leaving a lasting impression on generations of students who appreciated his wit and dedication in the classroom.
Joe touched the lives of thousands of students, athletes, and coaches. While his career was filled with accolades, it was his philosophy and life lessons that left an enduring impact. His most often recalled lesson was “the sun is going to come up in the morning”; this served as a reminder that even after the toughest losses or life’s challenges, there is always a new day and fresh opportunities. Whether on the field, the court, or in the classroom, Joe instilled in his students a belief in resilience, doing the right thing no matter the circumstance, and the importance of facing adversity head-on.
