James was born in Fair Oaks, Pennsylvania to Oliver Henry Phillips and Louise Barbera Stamm on January 24, 1938. He went to Henrietta King High School in Kingsville, TX. He graduated from Texas A&I College (Texas A&M University, Kingsville). He was a veteran and served in the Army as a Payroll Officer with the rank of Sergeant E5. He also was a CPA. He married Cynthia Ann Kirby on October 19, 1968, in San Antonio, TX. He worked as the Director of Accounting for San Antonio Water Systems for 33years.
James is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Cynthia.
James is survived by his son, Ryan O. Phillips, his sisters, Peggy Benham, and Nancy Ray. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Memorial services will be held at noon on June 6, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy. San Antonio, TX. Burial will be at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX. at 10:45am on June 8, 2026. Arrangements are by Sunset Funeral Home.
