James "Jim" E. Phillips

Mr. James E. "Jim" Phillips age 94 of Keystone Heights passed away Friday, March 15, 2019, in Jacksonville. He was born August 22, 1924, in Elmodel, Georgia to Paul and Mary (Harrell) and served in the United States Army during WWII and Air National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He earned his BS Degree from Jones Business College and began his first career working with Jacksonville Electrical Department for over 20 years before retiring. He then started his second career as a Firefighter with the City of Jacksonville retiring following 20 plus years of service. After moving to Keystone Heights he joined the First Baptist Church where he was a member of the Scripture Sunday School and had also served as Deacon. Mr. Phillips was both a Mason and a Shriner for over 50 years. He loved participating in parades, especially as a member of the "Firefighter Shrine Club". He was known for being a "Superb Handyman" and always helping others; he loved gifting his time and talent to helping those in his church and in the community. Mr. Phillips looked forward to getting his daily newspaper and working the crossword puzzle. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a granddaughter Shawn Ricketson and a brother Paul Phillips. His survivors are his loving and dedicated wife of nearly 73 years Louise (Smith) Phillips of Keystone Heights and their two daughters Darlene Ricketson (Chris) of Jacksonville and Linda Sterling Reynolds (Wayne) of St. Augustine along with his sister Inez Smith of Jacksonville. He was lovingly called "G-Pa" by three grandchildren Chloe Ricketson, Dayvin Sterling and Gabriel Sterling along with great grandchildren Kayla, Jaxon, Henry, Zachary, Eliana, Arya, Michael and Sadie. Also left behind are numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a host of extended family members and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Phillips will be held at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2019, in the Keystone Heights First Baptist Church with Pastor Daniel Findley officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 a.m. Graveside services will follow Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1517, Keystone Heights, FL 32656. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. WALKER DR. KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, FL 32656. 352-473-3176.www.jonesgallagherfh.com Visitation Tuesday, March 19, 2019 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM First Baptist Church of Keystone Heights 550 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL 32656 US Funeral Service Tuesday, March 19, 2019 11:30 AM - First Baptist Church of Keystone Heights 550 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL 32656 US Graveside Service Wednesday, March 20, 2019 1:00 PM - Jacksonville National Cemetery 4083 Lannie Road Jacksonville FL 32218 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176