The South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association (SDVMA) recently recognized AASV Charter and Life Member Dr. James Bailey with the Distinguished Service Award, presented during the SDVMA 123rd Annual Meeting in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The award honors an individual who has brought distinction to the veterinary profession through his/her devotion to the care and well-being of animals, support for the profession, and contributions to the community. The individual exemplifies the profession, both personally and professionally, through support of veterinary medicine, research, colleagues, and/or students and through civic participation. The individual’s contributions have advanced the profession and serve as an inspiration to veterinarians and the clients he serves.
Dr. Bailey’s imprint and impact on veterinary medicine span decades. He received his veterinary education from Iowa State University. In 1968, Dr. Bailey joined the SDSU faculty as the Extension Veterinarian. He retired in 1985 and was granted the status of Extension Veterinarian Emeritus. He served as the SDVMA Secretary/Treasurer from 1972-1985, and was the Executive Director of the SDVMA from 1985-1996.
Dr. Bailey was a charter member of the American Association of Swine Practitioners in 1969. He served as the organization’s first secretary in 1972 and as the president in 1980-81. He was granted the distinguished Howard Dunne Memorial Award for extraordinary service to veterinary medicine and the swine industry in 1986. In a "Heritage Video" recorded for AASV and available for members to view at https://www.aasv.org/members/only/video/Bailey/, Dr. Bailey shared recollections of his background and career in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Bailey’s distinguished career includes numerous accomplishments. In 1969, Bailey was one of the original Extension personnel to compile the fact sheets that became the Pork Industry Handbook. He contributed information on respiratory diseases and arthritis in swine. He was honored by the American Association of Extension Veterinarians as the Veterinarian of the Year, and also received the SDVMA Veterinarian of the Year award.
He served on the South Dakota Hog Cholera and Pseudorabies Eradication Committees. He was a member of the South Dakota Livestock Foundation from 1970-96. He served on the Livestock Conservation Institute’s Parasite Committee from 1979-81. Dr. Bailey received the South Dakota Pork Producers Council Distinguished Service Award in 1976 and was named an Honorary Pork Producer.
Dr. Bailey served as a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s House of Delegates through the 1970’s and on the Council on Biologics and Therapeutic Agents during the 1980’s. Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine presented Dr. Bailey the prestigious Stange Memorial Award for distinguished alumni in 1984.
He was an instrumental part of the beginning of the annual Herd Health Conference at SDSU, which was first held in 1988. In 1997, the conference was renamed the James Bailey Herd Health Conference in recognition of Dr. Bailey’s contributions to veterinary medicine in South Dakota.
Dr. Bailey and his wife Roberta live in Brookings. They have 5 children, 10 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.