James Oliver Phillips Jr.

James “Jim” Oliver Phillips Jr., 80, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, in his home in Silverthorne, Colorado, surrounded by family. He was born on February 3, 1945, in Selma, Alabama. Jim spent his childhood in Orlando, FL with his parents James Oliver Phillips Sr. and Sally Mims Phillips. He graduated from Winter Park High School in 1963, before starting his educational career at the University of Florida. At UF, Jim spent his spare time playing golf and participating in his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. He graduated with a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics and then started his career. He worked a successful career in juice sales for over 40 years in Florida and Texas, making lifelong friends along the way.

While in Texas, he met and fell in love with Kay Bell. They married on August 8, 1980, and lived in Texas for 8 years before moving back to Florida to be with family. During his adult life, Jim loved to do anything active. He played multiple sports, ran marathons, fished, and was always in the gym lifting weights. He loved supporting the Florida Gators in all sports and was a die-hard fan, even when he was far away. Jim’s faith in God was also very important to him. No matter where they were, Jim and Kay made sure to be active members in their church.

They moved to Colorado in 2008, settling in Silverthorne. In Colorado, Jim still found himself being active. He loved to hike and ski. Even after his stroke in 2011, Jim found hobbies that kept him moving and happy, including biking and working out. In his later years, he mostly spent time at home with his friends and family, but he always stayed positive and kept his great sense of humor. He would happily share his big, infectious smile with everyone he encountered.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kay Phillips, and their two children, Trey Phillips (Veronica Vanni) and Jeff (Sharon) Phillips, and their five grandchildren, Sagan, Gabrel, and Bela Vanni-Phillips, and Harrison and Megan Phillips. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Bobby (Lou Anne) Bell and his 4 nieces, Laura Bledsoe, Lisa McLaren, Tracie Cipriano, and Lisa Beno.

Jim was predeceased by his parents James and Sally Phillips, and his parents-in-law Bob and Elsie Bell.

The family would like to especially thank Isabel Nogueda, Rachel Trattler, Bruno Silguero, and Lauren Nelson for all their support in the caretaking of Jim. They would also like to thank the medical staff at St. Anthony’s Summit for their kindness and support during Jim’s hospital visits over the years.

A memorial service will be held to honor and celebrate Jim’s life on July 19, 2025, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bell-Phillips Memorial Fund at Rocky Mountain Bible Church.

Donation Mailing Address: PO Box 148 Frisco Colorado 80443 Memorial Address: 600 E Main St. Frisco, CO 80443