James Harriel Phillips' Obituary
James Harriel "Coon" Phillips, 85, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, April 14, 2024 with his wife, Valerie and her son, Chaz, by his side.
Jim joined the City of Jackson Fire Department in 1966 where he rose to the rank of District Chief. Working for the Fire Department, saving lives and assisting others in distress was his passion. He was a member of the City of Jackosn Firefighter's Association. He retired from the City of Jackson Fire Department after 36 years of dedicated service in February, 2002. On his days off he enjoyed painting houses, umpiring for the Jackson Little Leage as well as coaching. He was a member of the Jackson Little League Board of directors. In 1973, his team won the State Championship, Regional Championship and then traveled to Williamsport, Pennsylvania to compete in the Little League World Series.
After retirement, Jim worked for West Tennessee Healthcare in the Security Department at Jackson Madison County General Hospital and several years with Motion Industries. He enjoyed his work there as he was out and about meeting people and making many good friends.
Jim was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Jim loved to dance, especially country dancing. He danced into Valerie's life in 2004 at the Magic Valley dance club. During their 17 years together, they enjoyed traveling, including many cruises to beautiful places with family and friends. He was an avid golfer and a member of Woodland Hills Country Club and later Humboldt Country Club. He spent many hours on both courses with his family and friends, no matter the weather.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, T.O. and Grace Moore Phillips, first wife Mary Ann Laster, brother Tom Phillips and stepdaughter, Cynthia Dawn Wilson.
He is survived by his wife, Valerie DeMarte Phillips; sister, Linda Key, her sons, Stan, Steve and Scott; daughters, Teresa Towater, children Jason (Blair), Jenna Pearson (Tyler) and Jill Wyatt (Darren); Tammy Woods (Mike), children Brandon (Emily), Candace Young (Doug); Tracy Case (Jeff), children Taylor (Katelyn), Zachary and Covy; Danielle Shelly Trice, Children Alexis Trice, Tybre Oswalt and Brooklyn Oswalt; stepson Chaz Daugherty (Jessica), children Haley Watson (Ryan), Brooks Daugherty, and 17 great grandchildren.
Services will be held Thursday, April 18, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church 1665 Highway 45 ByPass, Jackson, TN. Visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., rosary at 11:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 12:00 p.m. with a bereavement luncheon to follow.
A very special recognition and gratitude to Hospice of West Tennessee. Jim's team of nurses, social worker, and chaplain were so very kind and compassionate in the care they gave Jim and he loved each of them.
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