Philip Kurt McNelis

Phil was born to James “Jim” and Gladys “Pinky” McNelis on June 7, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the fourth in a family of five boys. He grew up in Trenton, Michigan across from McLouth park, where he spent many days playing baseball, riding mini bikes, and hitting golf balls. He also developed life-long friendships while in Trenton.

After graduating from Trenton High School in 1975 Phil went on to attend the University of Michigan and earned his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology. He became a dedicated fan of University of Michigan football and remained a season ticket holder for the rest of his life (Go Blue!). While at University of Michigan he competed as a varsity athlete on the Men’s Gymnastics team in the trampoline event. Through his connection with the Michigan Gymnastics program Phil would go on to perform as an acrobat in America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. This became an annual tradition that lasted over 30 years.

Phil spent several years traveling around the country with his closest friends. He drove a Ford bobcat station wagon without air conditioning from Detroit to Los Angeles where he stayed for two years. Continuing his search for sunshine, he moved on to Tampa Florida for two years. Phil later returned to Detroit to attend Law School at Wayne State University. He graduated in 1985 and went on to represent railroad workers injured on the job. He later joined Kitch Attorneys and worked on auto negligence insurance defence cases.

Phil met Julia while they were both working at the same law firm. After four years of dating they were married in 1992 at St. Paul’s church in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. They went on to have two sons, James and William. Phil was deeply involved in raising his sons. He took a break from his career when the boys were young to help them with homework, drive them to practice, grill hamburgers, coach them on the trampoline, and eventually guide them through the college recruiting process. He was a role model for how to be a kind, intelligent, warm and caring man to his children.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Julia; his sons, James and William; and his brothers, Jim, Chris, Scott, and Mike. Phil's family hopes you think of him whenever you cheer for Michigan football, tackle a crossword puzzle, or see a moment of unexpected joy (like someone bouncing on a parade float).

A Celebration of Life will be held at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, located at 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, 48236. The service is scheduled for February 9, 2026, starting at 11:00 am.