James Leonard Phillips

James Leonard Phillips, age 78, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at his home. Born March 9, 1947, he was the son of the late Lawton and Sylvia Carson Phillips. He was a member of Paint Rock Baptist Church and attended Pentecost Baptist Church.
James was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He served as a Sheriff's Deputy with the Scott County Sheriff's Department and a Patrolman for the Oneida City Police Department for more than 20 years. Following his years in the police department, James became a security guard officer and served at the Scott County Hospital, Jim Barna Log Homes where he also drove a truck, Grand Vista Hotel and the Comfort Inn and Suites. James was also a fifty-year member of Scott County Lodge #670.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by daughter, Melissa "Missy" Phillips Smith; brother-in-law, Ernest Lee Keeton; father and mother-in-law, Vernon and Ruby Jeffers.
He is survived by his wife, Josephine Jeffers Phillips; daughter, Monica Phillips Conley (Glynn); son, Leonard Phillips; grandchildren, Christia Sexton McGhee (Craig), Zachary Sexton (Julia), Lennyn Phillips Grubb, Logan Smith (Jennifer), Holly Smith Sexton (Mark), Chelsey Conley Robb (Mike), Blair Conley (Bonnie), and Cheyenne Sexton Steinbach (Tyler); great grandchildren, Cambree, Owen, Cayne, Brandy, Brooke, Blake, Becca, Clay, Wyatt, Savannah, Theia, Brooklyn, Karaliena, Zaygan, Tessleigh, Octavia and Kiley; sister, Darlene Phillips Keeton; special niece and nephew, Tammy Keeton and Ernie Keeton (Wendy); brother-in-law, Harry Jeffers (Patti); several other great nieces, great nephews, relatives and friends.
The family would like to extend a sincere "Thank You" to the staff of Quality Home Health, the Oneida Nursing and Rehab for their care of James for the time he was there, and also the Scott County Ambulance and EMT personnel for all their help over the last several weeks.
Friends may visit with the family on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 12:00 pm until time of the Masonic service at 1:00 pm in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home, with funeral service to follow with Rev. Harry Jeffers officiating.
Committal service will take place following the service in the J.M. Carson Cemetery, Tunnel Hill Rd., with Rev. Timothy Hicks officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 136.
Pallbearers will be Zachary Sexton, Glynn Conley, Craig McGhee, Ernie Keeton, Chris Claborn, Matt Byrge, Phillip Laxton, and Rex Orick. Honorary Pallbearer will be Charlie West.
West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of James Leonard Phillips.
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