James R. Philpott

James R. Philpott
Jacksonville - James Robert "Jim" Philpott, 79 of Jacksonville, passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025, peacefully at his home. He was born December 2, 1945, in Canton, Ohio the son of John and Margaret Edwards Philpott. He married Lynne Thomas on August 31, 1968, and she survives.
He is also survived by three sons, Justin (Alyssa) Philpott of Girard, Adam Philpott, and Evan Philpott, both of Jacksonville; one daughter, Megan Philpott of Jacksonville; two grandchildren, Nick Philpott and Calla Lonergan; one sister, Sally Munson (Terry) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John Philpott (Jean).
Jim attended the University of Illinois and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He went on to earn his MBA from the university before joining Franklin Life Insurance Company where he served as Vice President of Property Managment for 27 years. He later taught at MacMurray College and Illinois College as a Professor of Business. In the past, he enjoyed coaching and refereeing youth sports (soccer and wrestling) as well as driving his beloved Dodge Challenger. His favorite thing to do was spend time on his family land in Ault, Colorado known as "The Ranch". Some of his hobbies included watching old western movies, working on the computer, and shopping on Amazon. He had a passionate interest in genealogy and spent countless hours doing research. He was a loving pet guardian to a plethora of animals with his favorites being finches, bearded dragons, and ferrets. Recently, Jim proudly completed a memoir titled "A Dislocated Colorado Cowboy" that shares the wonderful and interesting experiences he had on "The Ranch" over the course of his life.
Jim will be remembered by his wife, children, and grandchildren as a man of integrity and honor who was devoted to his family.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Memorials are suggested to Tunnels to Towers. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.