Kansas softball mourns the passing of Jill Bailey

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas softball mourns the passing of Jill (Bailey) Heckman, 45, of Kansas City, who succumbed to her battle with cancer this week.

Bailey is one KU softball’s all-time great pitchers in the circle, ranking seventh in career earned run average (1.61). She was a pioneering member of the Jayhawks’ 1992 Big Eight regular-season title team that advanced to the NCAA Women’s College World Series.

Bailey was fighting her own battle with cancer she founded Jill’s Hope Foundation in March of 2016 to help fellow cancer patients. The foundation helps all cancer patients with different therapies and financial assistance during their illness. In May of 2017 Jill received the Kindest Kansas Citian Award from Synergy Services.

A funeral service celebrating Bailey’s life will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, at the Platte Woods United Methodist Church.

Memories of Bailey and condolences may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.