JIM AND ELSIE PHILLIPS

Jim Phillips Joined his beloved wife Elsie on February 28, 2011, as close in their passing as they were in life. A decorated veteran of World War II, Jim was born on August 30, 1921. He spent part of his life in Sumner, but his heart lay in the Yakima Valley, where he grew up, tended orchards, and where he returned to spend his retirement years. As a young man, he served in the United States Army and braved combat on a global scale, seeing action in France, Italy, and the African desert. He was among the first soldiers who liberated Dachau. After the war, he married and raised a daughter, Kathy, who predeceased him, and two sons. Later, he continued his wartime ethic of being on the front line to aid those in need by serving twenty-nine years in the McChord AFB Fire Department, attaining the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. It was during this time that the now widowed Jim met and married Elsie Vandver, and extended his warm embrace to include her grown sons and their families. He is survived by his sons Randy (Linda) and Steve Phillips, stepsons Curt (Sue), Ken (Bonnie), and Russ (Cathy) Vandver, numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jim left behind an enormous extended family that will treasure the memories of his childhood exploits, his horrific, harrowing and sometimes amusing accounts of his wartime experience, and his wonderful warm sense of humor. Our country, our history, and our family have lost a true hero. Rest in peace, Champ.

Elsie Phillips (nee Myers) Quietly passed away on February 26. She was born July 26, 1922 in Sumner, WA, where she spent much of her early life, and raised three sons from her first marriage, supporting them by working at Corbin's and for Dr. Duffy. In 1974, she found her soulmate and happily married Jim Phillips, relocating to Yakima, where they found peace and pleasure in their golden years. Friends and family remember Elsie as a warm, gentle, good-humored and sweet-natured lady who enjoyed knitting, putting up tasty fruit, and birdwatching. She brightened everything with a smile as warm as the rays of the Yakima sun. Elsie is survived by her sons Curt (Sue), Ken (Bonnie), and Russ (Cathy) Vandver, stepsons Randy (Linda) and Steve Phillips, siblings Marie Carlson and Tom Myers (Dollie), numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom shared her great-hearted love and will miss her very deeply. The family would like to extend special thanks to the hospice and caregivers at Stafford Suites. Donations can be made to MultiCare Hospice, c/o Good Samaritan Foundation, MS 402-1-FND, P.O. Box 5299, Tacoma, WA 98415-9920. No services at the request of the deceased. Interment at Sumner Cemetery through Powers Funeral Home, 15124 Main St., Sumner, WA 98390-2636.