Wednesday, June 3, 2026 8:58 am
|
James M. (Jim) Phillips, Jr., age 83 of Forest City died Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Jim was born May 27, 1943, in Alderson, WV and was the son of the late James M. Phillips, Sr., and Clara Boyd Phillips.
He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. Jim received college degrees from West Virginia University, Appalachian State University and Isothermal Community College. He worked for 25 years in management with Sears & Roebuck Company and later Lowe's Incorporated where he retired.
His military service included two tours of duty as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War where he flew missions in the KC135 rising to the rank of Captain. He was active in the ROTC program from 1962 until 1966 and served on active duty from 1966 until 1972.
Jim enjoyed being a member of Gideon's International and supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, serving many years as Assistant Scout Master in Forest City Troop 125.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary Feamster Philips and his sister, Shirley Phillips Highlander.
Survivors include his son, James M. Phillips, III and wife Dana of Hendersonville, his daughters, Caroline P. Abbott and husband Chris of Fuquay Varina, and Mary Phillips Tampa and husband Mike of Cornelius, his brothers, Eddie Phillips and wife Carol of Radcliff, KY, and Pat Phillips and wife Devena of Alderson, WV, his sisters, Barbara P. Bradley and husband Joe of Alderson, WV, and Nancy P. Feamster and husband Lee of Charleston, WV as well as his grandchildren, Breanne Cruikshank (Will), Grace Abbott, Kyle Scavo, Emily Phillips, and Mason Scavo.
The Funeral was held May 30 in The Padgett and King Chapel with Pastor Lane Goff officiating. Military honors were accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church Building Fund, 760 Bethany Church Rd., Forest City, NC 28043.
An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com
Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.