Jim "Chopper" Phillips

Jim "Chopper" Phillips, age 75, of Newport, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

James "Chopper" Phillips passed from this life with a legacy of faith, family, friendship, and a voice that many will never forget. Chopper began his broadcasting career in 1970 with WLIK as an announcer. In 1983, he joined 92.3 WNPC as a morning host, where his voice became a familiar and trusted part of the community's daily routine. For many years, Chop was a proud member of L.D. Ottinger's pit crew, looking up to L.D. as an accomplished racer and mentor. From him, Chopper learned the ins and outs of the racing industry-knowledge that led him in 1988 to apply for a broadcasting position with the Motor Racing Network. His career with MRN spanned more than 30 years, where he served as a lead pit reporter and host of the national radio show NASCAR USA. He built lasting friendships all across the NASCAR circuit. During his time with MRN, he also had the opportunity to be part of the ground floor of Rusty Wallace Automotive Group, participating in early meetings between Ray Huffaker and Rusty Wallace Yet beyond the racetrack and the radio booth, Chopper's greatest joy was his family and adopted family. His love for children and family is evident in those gathered today. He was a big supporter of Michael, Sissy, Ashley, Jandi, Rodney, and Ike. He looked forward to visits from Paula, Chesni, Aubrey, Ethan, and later Tara and Elijah-loving to spoil them, cheer them on, and hear their good reports.

At just 19 years old, he coached a local little league baseball team. Though not much older than the players, he earned their respect and led them from last place to winning the pennant.

Whatever Chop did, he did with pride. Whether building fence on the farm, riding his horse "Trigger," or cooking for those he loved, he believed in doing things right. Fences were measured precisely, stretched tight, and leveled. In broadcasting, he often said, "Don't open the mic unless you have something to say." He delighted in training new broadcasters, who first had to pass the famous "How now brown cow" test. His pit reporting was built on careful notes and trusted insider stories from race teams. And when it came to cooking, it had to follow the recipe exactly-it had to look good, taste good, and it was always ALL ABOUT THE FLAVOR.

On December 31, 2002, Chopper married the love of his life, Johnnie Sue Wilds, who became known as "Chop's Sweetsie". He chose that special date because Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were married on that day-a fitting tribute for a man who loved Westerns. He also faithfully cheered for the New York Yankees and the Tennessee Volunteers.

Chopper and Johnnie Sue built a life together farming, selling radio ads for WNPC, and spending treasured time with family and friends through the years. Paula, Ike, Chesni, Aubrey, and Ethan have enriched their lives through countless hours shared with them, from day to day visits and weekend sleepovers.

The greatest accomplishment of Chopper's life was the day he met the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. He loved telling how the Lord came to him-how he went from watching television in his recliner to kneeling at his bedside, rising a new man. He loved his church, his church family, and his pastor, Tom Mooty.

To Chopper, there were no strangers-only friends he hadn't met yet. One of his greatest desires in recent days was to be well enough to return to church. Today, we rejoice knowing God has answered that prayer, and he is worshipping with the heavenly choir. He will be deeply missed in this life. Thank you, Chopper, for the memories, the generosity, the laughter, and the countless stories we will cherish forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mary Vean Phillips, grandparents, Jake and Nannie Phillips, James Hooper and Annis Gertrude Woody; and son-in-law, Jesse Mattio.

He is survived by his wife, Johnnie Sue Phillips; son, Michael Phillips and Rodney (Karen) Hartsell; daughters, Heather (Brandon) Webb, Ashley Mattio and Jandie Hartsell-Cummings; brother, Jerry (Diane) Phillips; sister, Sarah Faye Phillips; grandchildren, Ike Webb, Harper and Eli Mattio, Amyna and Calen Cummings; nieces, Paula Tucker and her children, Tara and Elijah Tucker; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Carol and Terry Green

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Friday, February 20, 2026, with the funeral service following at 7:00 pm at West End Baptist Church, with Rev. Tom Mooty and Rev. Justin Williams officiating.

Burial will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memory of Jim "Chopper" Phillips.

Family and friends may sign the guest register online at: www.manesfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home.