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James Robert Phillips
James Robert Phillips
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James Robert Phillips, 59 of Minneapolis, died peacefully at home on August 8, 2024, with his beloved wife Joanie (Miskowiec), sister Karen (Bassett), and dog Sunny by his side following a 17-year, hard-fought, courageous challenge with an astrocytoma brain tumor.
Born April 11, 1965, and raised in Michigan, Jim moved to Minnesota in 2011 to marry the love of his life. Together Joanie and Jim built a wonderful life together as they traveled the world, cheered on their favorite sports teams, attended rock concerts, generously supported scores of worthwhile causes, hosted many special occasions, and surrounded themselves with loving friends and family.
Having first worked in the banking business, Jim returned to college to earn a master's degree in social work and began a second career as a school social worker. Since 2011, he served the students at Faribault High School where he was greatly admired and appreciated by fellow colleagues and students alike.
Jim will long be remembered for his wicked sense of humor, his sense of fun and adventure, but most of all, for his generous, loving kindness to all.
He is preceded in death by his father Robert, brother Michael (Sheree), and nephew Steven. In addition to Joanie, Karen (E.J.), and Sunny, Jim is survived by mother Eva, brother Scott (Marcia), and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and good friends who loved and adored him.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the Nicollet Island Pavilion on Sunday, September 22. The event will start at 11am with memories shared at noon. A luncheon will follow.
40 Power Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(Note: The Vikings play at noon so traffic may be challenging)
Memorials for Jim may be sent to No Dog Left Behind, Special Olympics, or St. Jude Medical Children's Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Andrew Losinski
August 22, 2024
Admittedly, I didn't get to know Jim as well as I would have liked. I only had the pleasure of working with him a few times the first year I started working at Faribault High School. Before things took a harder turn for him. I had just gotten out of a difficult career and was in the process of transitioning into another. Feeling out of place, in the wrong place, vastly inferior to what everyone else brought to the table compared to me. Even so, during those short encounters it was easy for me to see that he wore his heart on his sleeves'... he emanated kindness, compassion, caring. He was a good soul and could the good in others even if they couldn't. He could also see the hard work someone had put in for others. Which is something I will remember about him, pulling me aside at the end of an attendance meeting to compliment and thank me for the work I had been putting in for the weekly presentations. It was a kindness that was... unexpected and a change of pace from what I was previously used to. I will never forget it. I will miss you Jim.
Peter Stenross
August 19, 2024
I worked with Jim for 8 years at Faribault High School, and it was immediately evident the passion he had for helping not just students but anyone around him. I saw, first hand, the profound impact he had on students. I consider myself fortunate for having the opportunity to work with such a person, as Jim Phillips.
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Jamie Bente
August 19, 2024
Jim was an amazing Social Worker and friend. I was lucky enough to be the principal of the High School that Jim worked in. He was an incredibly hard worker and his sole purpose was to support the needs of the students. I will miss you!
Andrea, Ron & Nicolas Janas
August 16, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mark Corless
August 16, 2024
Jim joined our group of high school track and field coaches attending the Olympic Track and Field Trials in Sacramento California in 2000. Right away his incredible enthusiasm and genuine curiosity got my attention. We spent many hours over many days observing, discussing, and enjoying world class track and field together. We actually kept score of the Decathlon and Heptathlon. Jim continued to attend the trials with our group even after his tumor had caused him to be effected physically. He still chose to bike with several other members of our group from our hotel in Springfield, Oregon to Hayward Field in Eugene Oregon. He was determined to stay fit and live his life on his terms. I never heard him complain about his condition.
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4343 Nicollet Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55409
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