James Stephens Phillips

Jimmy was born in Lineville, Alabama, in 1925 to Walton & Louise Stephens Phillips. He graduated from Lineville High School and then served in the Navy during WWII. He received an honorable discharge and then attended Auburn University and graduated in 1950 with an industrial management degree. He worked in Anniston Ordinance and then married Bonnie Ferguson Phillips in July of 1952. They moved to Huntsville in 1953 and Jimmy worked at Redstone Arsenal for Army Missile Command until his retirement. While employed there, he received the Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his work on the TOW and Dragon Missile Project. He enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He dearly loved Auburn University and was an avid follower of AU football attending most home games until 91 years of age. He was a charter member of Weatherly Heights Baptist Church in Huntsville where he served as deacon for many years. Jimmy and Bonnie moved to Montgomery in 2008 to be closer to family and then became active members of the Hurley SS class at Eastern Hills Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Charles Keith Phillips; and a brother, Frank Phillips. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Bonnie Phillips; a son, James Stephens Phillips, Jr. (Cheryl); grandchildren, Jennifer Phillips Barrett (Will), Stephanie Phillips Wilkerson (Wesly); great grandchildren, Caleb Barrett, Payson Barrett, Libby Barrett, Chris Wilkerson, Jamie Wilkerson; and two brothers, Pete Phillips, Walt Phillips (Jean) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Saturday, September 28, 2019, at 10:00am at Leak Memory Chapel with a service to follow at 11:00am. Burial will be at Clay County Memory Gardens in Ashland, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eastern Hills Baptist Church in memory of Jimmy Phillips.