Phyllis and James Underwood

Phyllis “Phil” Underwood died at her home in Jacksonville, FL on June 24, 2018, at the age of 91. This was exactly one week after her son, James Underwood, died. She was predeceased by her husband Posie William Underwood, her parents Herbert S. and Lena Jewell, her sister Etta Mae J. Tarpley, and her brothers Jack and Kermit Jewell.

Phil is survived by her brother-in-law Carl E. Tarpley, Sr. of Salem, Virginia, and many nieces and nephews on both the Jewell and Underwood sides of the families.

After graduating from Shawsville High School, she worked as a secretary for the Roanoke County Sheriff’s Department before moving to Florida. She retired from the Duval County School System after 24 years of employment.

She was staunch supporter and member of the Disabled American Veterans, a faithful and dutiful member of the Glynlea Grace United Methodist Church for many years, and an avid fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Phil lived in Jacksonville for most of her life, but according to her, Otey, Virginia, would always be her home and Jewell would always be her name! Many thanks to all her neighbors who have been so kind to her all these years, and to her caregiver, Uvronka “Niecy” Smith for her devoted care. We will miss Phil’s weekly calls!

James William Underwood passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 17, 2018, at his home in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 61. He was predeceased by his father Posie William Underwood. “Jimbo”, as he was affectionately called by his coworkers, spent the better part of his life in the HVAC as an installer, a service tech, and as the warehouse manager for Cool Connections, Inc.

He was a fiercely loyal employee who was very dedicated to his job and held others accountable for the Company’s inventory. Thus another nickname he garnered was the “Parts Nazi”! He was the beloved son of his mother Phyllis Underwood and was faithful in seeing that she was well cared for and never missed a day having dinner with her. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled Americans Veterans at 1439 Parental Home Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32216, or at www.dav.org

A graveside service for Phil and her son James will be held at 10:30am Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. Arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn, 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207.