Philip Wayne James

Philip Wayne James passed away peacefully at home on July 22nd, 2025 at the age of 64. Phil was born in Walnut Creek, California, on February 28th, 1961 to Coy and Betty James. When he was one year old, he moved with his father, mother and two siblings (Davy and Bonnie) to Weed where he spent the remainder of his life.

Phil attended Weed Elementary School and Weed High School. During his school-aged years he enjoyed sports and outdoor activities including football, track and skiing, and he found an interest in working with his hands in the trades. Always wanting to stay busy, he worked several jobs during his teen years including Louie's tire shop, the Texaco gas station, Angel Valley Market and on nearby ranches bucking hay.

At the age of 17 he began dating the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Annette McKinnis. They graduated from Weed High School in 1979 and Phil went on to a vocational welding school in Dallas, Texas. After he finished his certifications, he returned home to Weed and took a job working for the city's Public Works department in 1981. Phil and Annette were married on November 6th, 1982. Over the next decade they were blessed with 3 children: Holly Ann, Rebecca Noel, and Matthew Eldon. Phil went on to become the Public Works Supervisor and spent 33 years working for the City of Weed, retiring in 2014.

Phil was an avid outdoorsman and took every opportunity he could to hunt and fish. He had a passion for both archery and rifle hunting and fishing on nearby lakes and streams. He was a former member of Siskiyou Bowmen and the Siskiyou Bass Club. He loved teaching and taking others to hunt, especially youth. Some of his best pastimes were spent reminiscing with family and friends about old hunting stories and dreaming of his next big hunt.

Another love he had was ranching and the activities surrounding that lifestyle. He enjoyed breaking and training horses, trailriding, roping, helping on cattle drives and participating in brandings. He also had special memories of participating in local rodeos where he competed in bull riding, saddle cow, and team penning. He took pride in being a caretaker for his family's homestead and tending to both the animals and the land. If there was a job to do on the family ranch, or for a friend nearby, Phil was happy to help. You'd spot him irrigating pastures, feeding horses, cutting wood and plowing snow.

Phil enjoyed helping his community and gave back through volunteer work with many local organizations including the Siskiyou Golden Fair Junior Livestock Committee, Shasta 4-H Club, City of Weed Volunteer Fire Department, Siskiyou County Sheriff's Posse Search and Rescue and coordinating the annual Weed Carnivale bocce tournament.

His passion for welding, metal and woodwork continued throughout his life. He enjoyed creating ornamental metal pieces, building BBQs, trailers and more. He was always excited to design and build a new project. He worked to rebuild his family's home and assisted in many friends' construction projects along the way. After his career with the City of Weed, he enjoyed working for Roger Volf Construction and the Department of Fish and Game.

Phil loved to drive and teach others to drive. When he was away from work he could often be found on a piece of heavy equipment helping with side-jobs for friends and family, driving water trucks or bulldozers on fires, or even in a demolition derby car at the county fair. On a Sunday afternoon you would find him in his recliner watching NASCAR in his favorite Dale Earnhardt shirt. He had fond memories of traveling with his family to Las Vegas and Phoenix Motor Speedways to watch live races.

Later in his life, you'd most likely spot Phil driving through downtown Weed in his green Dodge with his beloved dogs Max and Stella. They loved to drop-in and have coffee with his mom, Betty, in the mornings and head out to check-in and chat with other friends in town. You'd also catch him on the lake in his prized bass boat, in his garage working on a European deer mount, up in the hills looking for buck or heading out on an adventure with Nettie.

Phil was a beloved husband, dad, son, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. We will miss his bright smile, warm handshakes, and "I'll always be here for you" attitude. We are grateful to have walked alongside him for life on this side of heaven and experienced his generous heart. He was always there, a rock and shield, in times of trouble. Now, we entrust him to the true Rock and Redeemer until we meet again.

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12: 9-12

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27th at the Assembly of God Church in Weed with a reception following at the Gazelle Grange. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phil's name to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation or the California Deer Association.