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James Philo Obituary
4/19/1949 - 8/2/2024
Jackson
Jim, aged 75, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He was born on April 19, 1949, in Lansing, Michigan, to Juras and Helen (Mentel) Philo. Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth (Mullin) Philo; his 6 children: Patricia and Daniel Richardson, Kristine and Michael Irvin, John and Erica Philo, Susan Butler, Kathryn and Aaron Morrow and Mark and Annieka Philo; 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; 10 siblings: Karen and Richard Miller, Michael and Linda Philo, Paul and Jean Philo, Gerald Philo, Mary and Steve Richey, Janet Pawlowski, Elizabeth and Robert Beaune, Ruth and Phillip Wieferich, Joan and Steven Cavins and Sandra and Dale Montgomery; and an army of nieces, nephews and their children. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Juras and Helen Philo, son-in-law Craig Butler, and brother-in-law Mark Pawlowski.
Jim spent most of his growing up years in Mason, Michigan. He earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, where he also became one of the founding members of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Mu Lambda chapter. Jim earned his Master's of Business Administration degree from Eastern Michigan University. Jim worked for Consumers Power/Energy for 40 years, retiring as Team Lead for the Gas Underground Storage department. He continued to consult for Consumers Energy for 12 years after retirement. Jim was very involved in community service as a 16 year member of the Parma Western School Board; many years as a member of the Parma/Spring Arbor Lions Club; many years as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Jackson; many years with the local American Red Cross as a disaster services volunteer; Lector and Eucharistic Minister for his church; 26 years as a presenting team with wife Beth, for Catholic Engaged Encounter retreat weekends; 40 years as a hockey referee and 25+ years as a soccer referee for the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). Jim is an avid sports fan and Civil War buff. He enjoyed solving puzzles, family camping, traveling with Beth around the country and abroad, and especially enjoyed watching grandchildren participate in academic and extra-curricular activities.
Visitation will be held at Watson Funeral Chapel – 2590 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 5:00PM-8:00PM. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church – 1111 Carlton Blvd., Jackson on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 11:00AM with visitation one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Kiwanis Club of Jackson Foundation or to the American Red Cross.
Please express your condolences to the family at www.watson-funeral-chapels.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Philo
Sponsored by The Family.
Ramon,Belinda Gregorio and Family
August 11, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Regis Klingler
August 9, 2024
I worked with Jim for many years at Consumers Energy. Jim was professional, treated others with respect and worked well with others as a team. I shared the experience of refereeing youth soccer. We shared some stories around that. I considered Jim a friend. He seemed to keep to be a good husband, father, grandfather and a person who gave back to others in many ways.
Art Greenman
August 7, 2024
Jim and I worked in the same department for a number of years and he was always good to work with. Seems he always had a great smile. RIP Jim.
Frank Berkemeier
August 6, 2024
Extended Philo Family,
Jim was one of the Great People I had the pleasure of working with at Consumers. In addition to his expertise in engineering, Jim always made "work" a joy.
May Jim now hear the greeting that St Paul spoke of to ease our
Pain at times like this:
"Well done good and faithful servant; welcome to the home prepared for you from the beginning of time."
God Bless and to be continued,
Frank Berkemeier
How you can show support
Windy Hartman Chmiel
August 5, 2024
Mrs. Philo, Susie and family,
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Jim. It feels like yesterday when I was riding my bike over to the house to play with Susie. Always a full house, with lots of love. He was a good man. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Dale Puckett
August 5, 2024
Jim and I worked together for almost 30 years and were friends even longer. He always wanted to do the right thing. He will definitely be missed.
Virginia Smith
August 4, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but your special memories help you cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Prayers, Virginia Smith
David Iocca
August 3, 2024
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great person and an excellent engineer. I enjoyed working for him and with him throughout the years. He will be sadly missed. My condolences to the Philo family. May you rest in peace Jim.
David Iocca
Linda (Sharp) Boertman
August 3, 2024
Sincere condolences to his family. May God wrap his loving arms around his family to give them strength and peace. Rest in Heaven James.
Duane and Bonnie Rowley
August 2, 2024
So very sorry, God be with all of you
Steve Wixson
August 2, 2024
Beth and Family,
My thoughts and prayers to you. I relied on a lot of Jim´s expertise at work. He was a beautiful man that helped anyone that he could. He will be greatly missed.
Vicki Herdus
August 2, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time
David and Karen Malewitz
August 2, 2024
We worked with Jim at Consumers Energy for over 40 years. He brought incredible knowledge to Consumers as well as many lasting friendships. Jim will be greatly missed
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