James McGrath Phillips

James “Jim” McGrath Phillips, age 85, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2022 with his family by his side. Jim was born on April 6, 1936 near Cape Charles, Virginia to Preston and Myrtle Phillips (nee, McGrath) and was raised in Salisbury, Maryland. Jim graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. He married Joanne “Joan” Raynor on October 26, 1957 and served in the U.S. Army from 1957 – 1959, stationed in Worms, Germany. Jim spent the next 20 years as a banking executive in Baltimore, Maryland before moving to Mt. Laurel, New Jersey to begin his own small business, Minuteman Press. While in New Jersey, Jim was an active member of Moorestown, Rotary Club for 20 years, including serving a term as President of the Club. He took a particular interest in the Rotary Foreign Exchange Student Program and Jim and Joan hosted four exchange students in their home. Jim and Joan followed their dream and moved to New Bern, NC to begin their retirement in 2001, where they have lived since. Jim was an avid bridge player and also enjoyed boating, fishing and golfing, particularly the 19th hole. He was an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Fairfield Harbour for 15 years. Jim was a charter member of the Neuse Sunrise Rotary Club, for which he ultimately served a term as President.

Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan Phillips; his son Michael Phillips; his daughter Suzanne May (Conrad); his grandchildren Morgan Dignazio (Robert); Ryan Phillips; Jennifer Olaya (Salvatore); Alyssa McDonough (Jacob); Carly May and great-grandchildren Logan Grace Olaya, Harrison Daniel Olaya, and Caleb Daniel Dignazio. Jim was predeceased by his son Douglas McGrath Phillips (Joanne); his grandson Daniel Preston May; and his great-grandson, Jackson Alberto Olaya.

Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Christ Episcopal Church, 320 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vidant Health Inpatient Hospice, 920 Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834 or Christ Episcopal Church, 320 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560.

Arrangements are being handled by Cotten Funeral Home.