James "Jim" Phillips

James "Jim" Phillips, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025 at his home in rural Georgetown. He was born on March 21, 1949 in Danville, Illinois to the late Rosalyn Mae {Moody} and Howard Phillips, Sr.

Jim attended Ridge Farm High School and, after graduating, answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the Air Force on June 21, 1968. He honorably served his country until his discharge on April 19, 1972, including two impactful years in Vietnam where he flew the Reconnaissance in C-47 Gooney-Bird. His service did not end with his military discharge; Jim remained an active member of the American Legion in Westville for many years and was a vital participant in the VietNow group. He served on a committee that made regular visits to local Veterans Affairs facilities, ensuring the well-being of patients and advocating for their care.

Jim was a dedicated and skilled carpenter millwright. Soon after returning home from Vietnam, he took a position as a carpenter’s apprentice in 1976. This apprenticeship led to a 36-year long career as a journeyman carpenter proudly serving the Local Union #269 in which he was known for his craftsmanship and work ethic until his retirement in 2008.

Jim married Pauline Tackett on March 24, 1979 and the two would spend the next 46 years together making wonderful memories before his passing. After 14 years of just being the two them, the light of their lives arrived, Franklin “Franky” Phillips. Jim was so proud to be a dad and was even prouder of the man his son had become.

Known for his outgoing personality, Jim had a unique ability to connect with others; never knowing a stranger a day in his life. He was loved for his infectious sense of humor, constantly cracking jokes and making people laugh. His joy for life was evident in all he did, from spending time with friends to relishing the beauty of nature. In his spare time, Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He cherished the tranquility of fly fishing, the thrill of riding motorcycles, and the satisfaction of gardening. He enjoyed working with his hands and was known for crafting wonderful works of furniture; he even built his own home. He looked forward to the days he and Franky worked on cars together because it was the time he got to spend with his family that he loved most of all, especially with his granddaughters, Izzy and Willow. They brought him immense joy and pride. He also relished the time he got to spend with his dear friends. When all calmed down, Jim enjoyed putting on a good Western, typically Gun Smoke, with his four-legged buddy Max by his side and who was always eager to greet him.

In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by sister Martha Kay Phillips; nephew Joshua Hale; sister-in-law Sue Phillips; mother-in-law Hazel Tackett; and brother-in-law Joe Hale.

Jim is survived by his wife, Pauline Phillips; his son Franklin (Kenzie Urban) Phillips; his granddaughters Izebella and Willow Valdez; and siblings Howard Phillips, Stephen Phillips, and Dianna {Phillips} Hale. He is also survived by his nephews Jared Hale, Jon-Michael (Sarah) Hale, Cameron (Kirsty) Tackett, Kyle (Franchesca) Tackett, and Zack (Jessi) Tackett; nieces Emily Adkins, Chloe (Tai) Adkins, and Madelyn Tackett; and in-laws Charles (Nancy) Tackett, Carl (Amelia) Tackett, David (Michele) Tackett, and Patricia Tackett (Reginald) Adkins.

Jim will be remembered fondly and sorely missed by all who knew him. His wife will miss the daily cups of tea Jim would bring her in bed each morning for 46 years without fail. No cup of tea will ever taste as good as the ones he lovingly prepared for her, especially when delivered with one of his corny jokes.

A visitation to celebrate Jim’s life will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, September 5, at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center’s Urbas Chapel, located at 414 S. State St, Westville, IL 61883. Memorial contributions may be written in his name to the organization he regularly donated to: St. Joseph’s Indian School, at PO Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326. He will be placed to rest with military honors at Danville National Cemetery on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 10:00 am. Please share fond memories, pictures, and videos with Jim’s family on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com