James was born in Lexington, Alabama on July 10, 1924. He was a Staff Sergeant and airplane mechanic in the U.S. Air Force and served during WWII.
James was a longtime member of Redemption Point Church of God.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Elavee Phillips; parents, Rev. T.L. and Adell Phillips; step-mother, Odena Phillips; brother, W.A. Phillips; and sister-in-law, Jean Phillips.
Survivors include his brother, Mitchell “Cricket” Phillips; sister-in-law, Virginia Phillips; children, Treva Ward, Pam Silver (Doug), Jimmy Phillips (Johnna), and Robin Ledwell (Joe); grandchildren, Tammy Kuipers, Darren Miller(Katie), Melissa Adams (Joey), Michelle Morgan (Freddie), Shane Miller (Maggie), Josh Phillips (Jenny), Jamie Silver (Megan), Ryan Miller, Tiffany Taylor(Zeb), and Justin Phillips (Kristen); great grandchildren, Drew, Matthew, Chloe, Jada, Eli, Kassidy, Elisha, Yasmine, Dylan, Nolan, Emma, Jacob, Cohen, Perry, Lucas, Tyler, Mason, Anna Kate, Brody, and Toby.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 1st from 3-6:30 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Hwy. The funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 7:00 pm with Pastor Kevin Wallace and Pastor Lee Nash officiating.
The family will have a committal service with military honors on Wednesday, October 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, 5351 Hwy 153, Hixson.
Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Hwy.
Please share condolences at www.Chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com.