He is preceded in death by his parents Hosea and Amanda Phillips, sister Eva Rodrick, brothers Durwood Phillips, Walter Phillips Sr., William (Bill) Phillips, mother of his children Janet Jordan Phillips, daughters Julie and Jane. Survived by his devoted beloved wife of 45 years Nita Bentley Phillips, son J.R. Phillips (Heidi), granddaughter Jessica Phillips Arnold (Adam), grandson Jordan Phillips (Aimee), great granddaughter Ember Arnold, great grandson Jaxon Phillips, sister Grace Thomas, and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family and friends.
Jim graduated Forest Avenue High in Dallas, TX, served in the United States Air Force, and graduated in 3 years from TCU in 1958. Worked and excelled in advertising and in public relations. Jim Phillips is well known in broadcasting and banking circles. His broadcast career began in 1958, working for the Texas State Networks Flagship station, KFJZ, it was the beginning of an exciting career. Since the early days as Sales Manager at KFJZ in Fort Worth, Jim has a long track record that includes being a shareholder and operator of broadcast properties in Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada. His broadcast highlights include being president of the Texas Association of Broadcasters, Texas Broadcaster of the Year, a director and member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, serving on the Arbitron ratings Council and various state and national committees.
Civic and community honors include El Paso Ad Man of the Year, National Conference of Christians and Jews Human Relations Award, City of El Paso Conquistador Award, The Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award 1994 and 1996, Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce Star Award, LULAC, Humanitarian Award, Rotary Club of El Paso Distinguished Service Award, Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year, 2010 El Pasoan of the Year, just to name a few. Past presidencies include The El Paso Chapter National Conference of Christians and Jews, The El Paso Chamber of Commerce, United Way of El Paso, Sierra Providence Health Network, UTEP Development Board, Chairman of Wells Fargo Community Advisory Board, Texas Tech Medical Center Foundation, Sun Carnival Association, El Paso Boys Club, East El Paso Rotary Club, Texas Association of Broadcasters, Fort Worth Junior Chamber, McAllen United Way with countless others.
This is Jim R. Phillips, a man who though not born into success, possessed the burning desire and unusual talents to become a “self-made man” through dedication, work, and tireless energy.
Jim’s favorite quote:
Figure it out for yourself, my lad
You have all that the greatest men have had;
two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes.
And a brain to use if you would be wise,
with this equipment they all began
so start for the top and say I CAN.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday December 31, 2015 at 11:00 am at Trinity First Methodist, 801 N. Mesa El Paso, TX 79902. Burial will be at a later date in Boerne, Texas.
In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the UTEP Jim R. Phillips Endowed Scholarship. 500 West University Ave. El Paso, TX 79968, Centers Against Family Violence or a charity of your choice. We would like to say thank you to the caregivers Ken Butler, Anthony Urrutia, Choice Hospice, especially Joe Urrutia, and Rosa Vasquez. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West 128 N. Resler Dr. El Paso, TX 79912 www.martinfuneralhomewest.com
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