James Patrick Phillips
September 19, 1993 - July 11, 2025
James Patrick Phillips, 31, passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia.
Patrick was born on September 19, 1993, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Michele and Jim Phillips. In 1996, the family grew with the arrival of his beloved younger sister, Molly. From a young age, Patrick's infectious personality stood out to everyone who met him. His warmth, humor, and natural ability to connect with others made him a joy to be around. He developed a deep love for sports, especially baseball and golf, which became a central part of his life.
After moving to California in elementary school, Patrick's baseball talent flourished. He later attended The Steward School in Richmond, Virginia, where he continued to excel both academically and athletically. His collegiate baseball journey took him to Old Dominion University, McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, and finally the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where he earned a degree in Economics and finished his baseball career competing with his teammates in the NCAA tournament. Along the way, no matter how brief his time in a place, Patrick formed meaningful friendships and left a lasting impact.
Patrick began his professional career at Apex Systems, quickly rising to become one of the top Account Managers and eventually serving as Managing Director in the Washington, D.C. office. He later joined Capitol Bridge as Vice President of Sales. Fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit, he recently became a founding member of Rialtas Consulting LLC, a government consulting firm.
In 2019, Patrick met the love of his life, Julia Mahony. They were married in an intimate family ceremony in Richmond on April 30, 2021, followed by a joyful celebration with extended family and close friends in Charlottesville on their anniversary, one year later.
Patrick loved nothing more than spending time with Julia, their dog Scottie, his family, and friends: whether relaxing on the beach, playing a round of golf, or enjoying a competitive pickleball match. He also found great joy in cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and grilling on his beloved Big Green Egg.
Larger than life in both stature and spirit, Patrick will be remembered for his magnetic humor, razor-sharp wit, and the deep loyalty and compassion he showed to everyone around him. If you were lucky enough to be part of his life, you knew you'd never be alone.
Patrick was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Barbara Mee and his great-uncle Alan Sallee.
He is survived by his loving wife, Julia, and their cherished dog, Scottie. He is also deeply mourned by his parents, Michele and Jim, and his sister, Molly. Patrick leaves behind a devoted extended family, including his aunts and uncles Molly Mee and Thomas Fridrich (and their son Noah), and Marty and Tracy Mee (and their children Maggie, Matthew, Reagan, and Joseph). He is remembered with love by his great-aunt Kathy and cousins Alan, Tara, Shannon, Brian, Darren, Dierdre, and Taylor.
Patrick will be fondly remembered by his wife's parents, Judy and Dave Mahony, and Julia's siblings Ryan Mahony (Katie Lane), Marisa Swab (Kenny), and Davis Mahony, along with their children Grayson, Callie, and Lauren Swab, and Madison Mahony. Patrick's memory lives on in the hearts of countless dear friends whose lives he touched with his humor, warmth, and steadfast friendship.
A private family funeral is being planned for early August, with a celebration of life to follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, we invite those who wish to honor Patrick to consider supporting two organizations dear to his heart: Comfort Zone Camp, where Patrick volunteered to help children who have experienced the loss of a loved one or, the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), where he earned his degree and remained a loyal supporter of the baseball program. Donations to Comfort Zone Camp can be made at
comfortzonecamp.org by clicking on the "Donate" link in the upper right corner of the page, and donations to UMBC can be made at
www.umbcretrievers.com/supportbaseball or via check to: UMBC Foundation with "Baseball" in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to ATTN: UMBC Athletics CEI Arena, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250.
Our family has been humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Every message, call, note, and gesture has meant the world to us.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Aug. 3, 2025.