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James Phipps Obituary
August 26, 1943 - March 24, 2015
Pleasant Hill
It is with heavy heart, that I must pass along the news that James Phipps has passed away. He grew up in Berkeley and graduated from Berkeley High School. He was a firefighter in Emeryville for 35 years. After retiring from Emeryville he partnered up with a fellow retired firefighter Jim Barton to create Fire Truck Headquarters, selling fire engines for SMEAL Apparatus. Jay is survived by wife Lois, step-sons Gregory Johnson, Gary Marttila, son Tim Phipps, and grandchildren Matt Zach and Melanie Johnson, Davin Marttila, and Lily Phipps. His laugh roared through the house when he watched tv. A 14 was his favorite drink. Celebration of Life party will be held at a later date. Internment is at Oakmont Memorial Park.
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Memories and Condolences
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Jason Conner
April 19, 2015
Oh man, I'm so sorry to hear this news. I am also sorry I couldn't say goodbye to a great guy. I will never forget him always calling me rookie. Thanks for giving me great advice and building a good foundation for me in the FD. RIP Phipps. -Jason Conner
March 30, 2015
Jim, You were a pillar of information and knowledge of fire apparatus, because of you and Jim Barton we received top notch customer service and hospitality when we purchased our Ladder Truck. You will be missed and always in our thoughts, thank you Jim god bless you.
Joe Boldt
Fire Mechanic
Sonoma Fire Dept
Bob Sorensen
March 30, 2015
Jim was one of the few genuine people in this business. When I think of Jim I hear his laugh, and always with a smile on his face. Dying is a heck of a thing, but Jim knew how to live life, and we will all miss him. Happy trails Jim Phipps!
Daniel Dyer
March 29, 2015
We are who we are today because of you Jim. I learned a great deal from you starting with your extensive experience on fire apparatus, your wit, and how to deal with adversity and those trying times within our City and workforce. You brought a sense of calming and common sense to all. I considered you a close and dear friend. You will be truly missed.
March 29, 2015
A friend,a customer and a competitor. Bill Wright
Don Armstrong
March 29, 2015
A great man. Rest in Peace my friend.
John Arenz
March 29, 2015
You will be missed Jim. One of the guys in the fire service I learned a tremendous amount from...about people, about apparatus, about fire, and about myself.
Jon Brothers
March 29, 2015
Jim was a good friend with one of the greatest senses of humor I've known. While we have all suffered a great loss here in this life, I know the Lord's Fire Service has experienced a tremendous addition.
You will be deeply missed by everyone Jim. Thank you for the memorable friendship. All my best to Lois and your family.
Ron Clausen
March 29, 2015
Sorry for the loss, not only a great firefighter, but a great guy, he will be missed.
March 29, 2015
To the family of Jim Phipps-our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. thanks Jim for all the laughs. RIP my friend. From the staff of Big Sky Fire Equipment, Lewistown, MT
March 29, 2015
Thanks for the many years that you spent
Negotiating for our safety and benefits .
Always appreciated your level headed approach
when protecting our rights during administrative investigations and hearings.
I'll miss listening to you talking to your self out aloud as you wondered around the fire house.
The pranks you used to play on the officers
When you wouldn't get out of your street close
Until they went nuts and ordered you too get dressed. And your favorite phrase when someone asked if you had completed an assignment and you would always reply with
" I'm a gonna when I get around to it!"
Rip my Brother, see you on the other side!
Respectfully,
John Havenhill
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Oakmont Memorial Park & Mortuary - Lafayette2099 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette, CA 94549
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