I've been searching for Jim for years.  So sad to hear he's no longer with us.  We used to work together in Nashville in the mid to late 80's.  I was a lowly draftsman and he was a landscape architect, but boy did we have fun!  Not only at work, but outside work as well.  He was so much fun to be with, ALWAYS happy and just a pleasure to be around.  My girlfriend (now wife) and I would go over to Jim's place to hang out to drink a little and laugh a lot!  Good times!

Because of Jim, I'm now a registered landscape architect.  Unfortunately, when I moved away from Nashville I lost touch.  When I did return, I started searching for him off and on... that was over 20 years ago.  Wish I found him earlier.  I would have loved to talk with him once more.  He was dear friend and he'll be missed.

Jim's mother Sarah was my father Joe's oldest sibling.  We moved away from Columbus before my sisters and I started school but we would return to visit at least every year or two when we were kids.  Once when I was probably 9 or 10 Jim took me out to the mall for some shopping and socializing.  That was a pretty big deal for a kid my age, hanging with a college student at the mall. It seemed like everyone there knew Jim, in particular the attractive young ladies.  He made time for me and I never forgot that trip. 

About a decade passed and I was in Columbus for part of the summer before my sophomore year at Auburn. Yet again, Jim made time to take me out around Columbus, whether it was water skiing with his brother Dow up and down the Tombigbee River or going out to the movies (which sometimes meant going out to shoot pool but I guess Aunt Sarah knows all those secrets now).  While too many years passed since my last visit with Jim, I am thankful for the times I spent with him, and I will never forget the kindness and generosity he always showed me. God bless you cousin Jim. 

The Jim I knew from way back when in college days at MSU, was a precious soul. He never had an unkind word, never showed a temper. He was just gentle, kind and sweet. He seemed to be always happy, and always had that twinkle in his eye. Such a sweetheart. To all who loved him,  I am so sorry for your loss. I remember him with such fondness even all of these years later. He and Dow were some of my favorites at MSU. My prayers are with you all. I know you will miss him so.  May our precious Father and Lord Jesus wrap His loving arms around you and hold you close as you go through this time of sorrow. 

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He is survived by his wife, Jane Mockensturm Phillips; son, Ryan James Phillips; brother, “Dow” Phillips; and sister, Sarah Elizabeth “Beth” Riley.

Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery

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James Leon Phillips Jr.

December 28, 1954 – February 28, 2018

Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery

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