Jim Phillips

1931 - 2018

Jim Phillips

July 21, 1931 - May 25, 2018

Lexington

Jim Phillips, 86, of Western Blvd, Lexington, died Friday, May 25, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 3pm Tuesday, May 29 at First Baptist Church in Lexington by the Rev. Dr. Ray Howell III. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall at 1 pm prior to the service.

He is survived by his son, Jim Phillips, Jr., and wife, Susan, of Greensboro; his daughters, Gini P. Rogers and husband, Pete, of Blackfoot, Idaho, and Sara P. Briggs and husband, Greg, of Welcome; his brother, Jack Phillips and wife, Susan, of Albemarle; his sister, Patsy Miller of Lexington; his grandchildren Caroline Janes and husband, Lex, Haley Phillips, Katherine Phillips, Meredith Briggs, Jillian Briggs and Emily Kuehm; and his great-grandson, Nathan Phillips Janes.

Jim was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He and Carolyn Winberry Phillips, his wife of 54 years, were perfect partners. They met in Lenoir Hall on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus during Hurricane Hazel and Jim's life was changed forever. Jim showed his love for Carolyn every day and their children never doubted their commitment to one another.

He expected much of his children but was always there with an encouraging word and a helping hand. His six granddaughters could do no wrong. Jim documented their every achievement and was quick to share these with friends. For the past year, Jim's favorite activity was bouncing great-grandson, Nate, on his knee. It was hard to tell who wore the bigger smile during those sessions, Jim or Nate.

Jim was born in Tarboro, North Carolina but grew up and graduated from high school in Bassett, Virginia.

After graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country in Korea and becoming the youngest Staff Sergeant in the history of the Corps.

After returning from Korea, Jim attended UNC-Chapel HIll and High Point College.

Jim was a dedicated public servant. He served as Director of Transportation for the Davidson County Schools from 1960-1974. For the rest of his life, folks approached him with the introductory line, "I drove a bus for you."

In 1974 Jim was asked to serve as Davidson County Manager. During the four years he held that job he was a strong advocate for the poor and disadvantaged, the county schools and expanded mental health services.

In 1978 Congressman Steve Neal asked Jim to head up his Fifth District Office serving the people of Northwestern North Carolina. It was in that role that Jim found his true calling — helping people. Jim loved helping a veteran navigate the bureaucracy to get the benefits he had earned or assisting a family who needed to access their social security benefits. He made a difference in peoples' lives, one by one. And knowing that he had helped them made a difference in his life.

After Jim retired in 1994 he ran for and served two terms in the North Carolina State Senate. After years of working for a member of Congress, he enjoyed being the person who got to cast votes on important policy issues. Not surprisingly, his focus as a Senator was on issues that made a difference in the everyday lives of real people — mental health, child welfare and public education.

After leaving the Senate in 2001, Jim focused his time and energy on the things he loved: his family, his church and his friends. His primary hobbies were talking and laughing. He loved his morning and afternoon coffee conversations with his buddies at the Honeymonk. He laughed out loud while recounting his road trips to Cheraw, Mount Airy and other out of the way places with Shag Everhart.

The overarching story of Jim Phillips' life is that he was a good man. He showed respect for everyone he met. He tried hard to help when given the opportunity. He loved his family and showed it every day. He was loyal to his friends. He tried to do the right thing.

In his final days, Jim talked with excitement about being reunited with Carolyn, the love of his life. We are sad to lose him here but overjoyed that they are together again.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to First Baptist Church, PO Box 436, Lexington NC 27293 or to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington NC 27292

Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneral home.net