Well Jim, I remember when we first met in 1970 when Honeywell moved to OKC. You were one of those Lead Designers we younger Draftsman aspired to be.  Honeywell brought two major products under development known as the high speed Non Impact Printer and the Bank Check Sorter.  As years passed and maturity prevailed I was assigned to an advanced development program for the Reader Sorter as lead Designer.  I believe your early leadership helped me make it to that position.  I’ll always be indebted to your leadership and our working relationships through the years.  Although our comorodery was only for a brief time it made a lasting impression on my life and I thank you for that.  May God hold you and keep in his grace.  Rest In Peace Jim and may Kathy and family be comforted in their loss.
Alvin (Pete) Peterson 

Loved this guy!  He was always fun to be around.   He had great stories, and a super way of telling them.  Always down to earth and always had a spin on them.   I'm not sure he ever really left Boston.   His memories of Boston always seemed to be in the back of his mind.  And ,he had some great memories of that period of time. Ava and I came to know Jim and Kathy later in life but really enjoyed both of them!    Those memories with them will never go away.   What am couple!
Jim,  You are gone for the moment, but we will see you again.   
Gary and Ava Dusenberry 

I worked with you in Oklahoma.  I was young and had little experience as a new designer.  You impressed me so much with your knowledge and character.  I thought you were a couple of years older than me,  but so much wiser.  At age 72, I now better understand.  You hid your age well!   Sorry for not staying in touch after you moved away.   With greatest respect, and, until we meet again, 
Steve Eckerd

Jimmy grew up at 22 Reddy Ave in the Readville section of Hyde Park, Massachusetts.  He never knew his father, who had died, I think shortly before he was born.  In that home were his grandfather, James McConnell; his grandmother, Eliza (Nana), who died when Jimmy was 11; his mother, Helen; his older sister, Pauline; Helen's older sister Adeline, her husband Sidney Nickerson, and their son Dick, who I think was between Pauline and Jimmy in age.  Helen and Sid went off to work every day, and Adeline was the person who kept house, cooked, took care of Grandpa and Nana, and was a second mother to Jimmy.  Until 1939, my father, Bob, also lived there.  He was much younger than the other McConnells, having been taken in by Nana when he was about 18 months old.  It was a very warm, loving, happy family, a good place for Jimmy to grow up.


Of course I remember the time spent with the Phillips family at hockey games both here and on the road which was the childhood of a hockey player. I also remember the Arkansas vacation at Beaver Lake/Fairfield Bay and floating the Illinois River with Jim and Jimmy. Great memories of the mid 70's. RIP Mr. Phillips...

As a co worker with Jim, I am saddened to hear of his passing. Sincere condolences to Kathy and all the family. May all the good times with Jim bring you smiles, comfort and joy and lessen your grief.  May he Rest in Peace.

Where do I start?  Jim was one of the best men I’ve ever known.  We initially met working for Honeywell in MA, but soon (1970) we were transferred to work on a special project in OKC with about 20 other families, including the Cournoyer’s and many others.  Jim was a lead designer and I was a wet behind the ears newbie.  He took me under his wing and became my mentor, as we worked in a secure area while designing a new product.   We became close and Jim opened his home to all of us and we all became family.  My Wife, Carol and I would spend all of the holidays with them which included all sporting events especially Hockey!  Jim was a die heart Bruins fan and this became the only area where we ever disagreed, as I was a devoted Canadiens fan.  We would enjoy the kibitzing and battering all season long especially when the 2 teams played each other.   I remember one time when he would only let me drink beer out of a Bruins mug.  This action probably saved me from alcoholism! 
Our love for hockey brought us closer together and “Little Jimmy” might have been influenced by the ongoing rival, as he adopted the sport with passion.  I’m not sure how it happened, but Jim and I became PEE-Wee coaches.  We may have lacked skills for the teaching of the game, but we sure loved working with the kids, as they developed their skills for the game.  It certainly took a lot of our time, as we practiced a couple times a week and traveled to cities, like Tulsa, Dallas and etc. to play other teams.  
Jim lived a great life and had a very positive impact on everyone he met.  We have heard this many times, but the statement couldn’t be more appropriate, “No one ever uttered a disparaging remark on Jim’s character or actions!”
Jim may you rest in peace after a well lived life! And let me know if there are any other hockey nuts in heaven!
PS. the attached pictures were taken Christmas of 1971


OBITUARY

James Paul Phillips

September 8, 1933 – January 6, 2022

Bill Merritt Funeral Service

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