Philip "Phil" Thorne James

Born on July 18. 1951 in Lewiston. North Carolina, Phil was the son of Jesse Roland James and Martha Eleanor Thorne. He was raised in North Carolina and Maryland then later moved to California where he met and married Marie Theresa Smith, with whom he would share the next 37 years.

During his time in Maryland he attended high school, earned his Juris Doctorate and passed the Maryland bar exam. After several years in California he decided to take the California bar exam and it was time to move again to Virginia where he was general counsel for a business unit within a large defense and aerospace company. He truly enjoyed his profession, traveled abroad several times on business and received praise and appreciation for his knowledge of the law, ability to explain the law in layman terms and his approachable demeanor.

In between law school, studying for bar exams and working, Phil had several hobbies and enjoyed vacationing in California, Vermont and Cancun. He played guitar in his young adult life and would chuckle when telling the story that he was actually paid to perform, as his band played at several venues in Maryland and DC. He was an amateur photographer who always had his Cannon with him for decades, taking pictures at home, on adventures and while traveling. He also enjoyed shooting his pistols at the shooting range and scuba diving at Cozumel. He was a WWII history buff and knew so much about the First Battle of Manassas which took place during the Civil War that he gave private tours with a twist of added 'behind the scenes' information that made the tour that much more interesting for friends and family who came to visit.

In 2012 Phil was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. He retired from work soon after as he 'didn't want to make a mistake' that would adversely impact the company. He graciously and courageously fought the disease for 14 years.

Phil's calm disposition, humility despite his high intellect, sense of humor and kindness will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His love and genuine concern for his wife, family and friends will continue to inspire everyone he touched

Phil is survived by his wife, Marie; his brother Jesse James II (Jane) of Raleigh, NC; his brother John James of Williams, SC; and cherished nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Phil. Jennifer Larkin of Vienna, VA; Julie Johnson of Raleigh, NC; Jesse James III of St Augustine, Florida; Warren James of Williams, SC; Laura James of Valdosta, Georgia; Morgan James ol Fort Stewart, Georgia; Philip James of Panama City, Florida and God Children Lucas, Joshua and Jensen Yost of Glendora, CA

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Phil's memory to Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org).

A funeral service was held on February 4, 2026, at 10:00 am in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home. The committal service followed in Raleigh Memorial Park.

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