James Wayne Phelps

James (Jim) Wayne Phelps, 79, of Pensacola, FL, died peacefully at home on May 11, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on November 13, 1943, to Bertha Gertrude Arnold and Kelly Phelps in Andalusia, AL.
Jim graduated Abington High School in Abington, MA where he excelled in math, physics, and tennis.
He married Joan Leslie Blenis on January 05, 1964, in Rockland, MA and had five children. Jim and Joan co-parented and partnered life responsibilities as they fulfilled careers living in Massachusetts, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, and Washington.
Over the course of his career, he had the privilege of working for several prestigious organizations, including Amoco in St. Louis and the Navy Exchange in both Bremerton, WA and Pensacola, FL, where he demonstrated his leadership abilities and earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. His career was a testament to his unwavering dedication and tireless work ethic, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
Jim was an advocate for the less fortunate, volunteered for many years with the Jerry Lewis telethon and served as the president of Escambia Bay Jaycees. He passed these characteristics of commitment to making a positive impact and improving the lives of those around him to his children. His charitable actions demonstrated empathy, kindness, and a desire to make a difference in the world.
His quick and spark wit, playful nature, and penchant for practical jokes made him the life of the party, bringing joy and laughter to those around him. In his free time, he pursued a variety of interests with equal passion, from gardening and woodworking to golfing, playing tennis, and reading. He was a well-rounded individual with a deep appreciation for sports and could often be found cheering on his favorite teams. He valued one-on-one time and time with his family. His wide-ranging interests and infectious sense of humor left a lasting impression on all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
Jim was widely known for his unwavering candor, which was a defining trait of his character. He had an unapologetic tendency to speak his mind directly, even in situations where others might shy away from sharing their true thoughts. His candor reflected his integrity, authenticity, and sometimes unfiltered approach to life. Whether in his personal or professional life, he never hesitated to speak the truth as he saw it, and his straightforward approach to communication at times was welcome in a world often dominated by ambiguity and obscurity.
Jim is survived by wife, five children, Jimmy (wife Monica), Raymond (wife April), Scott (wife Brandy), Staci (husband Adam), and Mark (wife Melissa) fifteen grandchildren, Raymond (wife Micelle), Tiffani, Moni (husband Cami), Cory (wife Jessica), Crystal, Jimmy, Dianne (husband Michael), Robyn (husband Mathew), Leslie (husband Dallas), Andrew, Aaron, Michael, Jonah, Aiden, and Nina and twelve great-grandchildren Riley, Raelyn, Bella, Bryson, Mila, Liam, Kira, Levi, Reece, Grayson, Aiden, and Luke. Jim is also survived by loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Lavonia, Jean, Ruthie, and brother Billie.
Services will be Monday, May 15 at 11:00 AM CT at Faith Chapel Funeral Home (South Location) located at 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, FL 32505.
Memorials or tribute donations may be made to American Liver Foundation: https://liverfoundation.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/make-a-tribute-gift/
Scriptures:
Thessalonians 4:13-14
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
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