Jim Phillips was born at the Mission Hospital in St. Ignatius, Montana on the eighth of June, 1943 and died at age 73 in his home in Helena, Montana on the 17th of July, 2016. His parents, W. A. (Bill) Phillips and Gladys Eleonora Shennum Phillips and sister Judy Rae Phillips have preceded him in death. His wife of forty-eight years, Illa Ann Thomas Phillips, and two children, son William A. Phillips his wife Brenda and three granddaughters Ashlyn, Ameya, and Aubrey of Missoula, Montana and daughter Jennifer Johanna Andersen and her husband Jon of Helena, Montana, also survive him.
Jim graduated from Ronan High School in 1961 and enlisted in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman assigned to the 4th Marines at Kenohe Bay, Hawaii in the Fleet Marine Force. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Jim enrolled at the University of Montana and worked summers for the US Forest Service (USFS) and during school months with a bus line to in part pay for his education. Jim’s summers with the Forest Service brought him to the Missoula and Grangeville Smokejumpers for four seasons and to a life long association with the National Smokejumper Association (NSA) where he served as Safety Officer, Operations Officer, Reunion Chairman, and Trail Program Squad Leader. Jim also acted as the lead liaison between the USFS and the NSA in the facilitation of a completed Man Gulch Preservation Plan and trail system.
Jim’s professional career included twenty-five years as a school counselor, ten years as a civil rights contract compliance officer for the MT Department of Transportation and five years in private sector management. Jim’s avocation interests included the Masonic Lodge, National Education Association, Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity, and the Congressional and Methodist churches.
Besides spending time with his family, one of Jim’s greatest joy’s in life was spending time in the wilderness and enjoying hiking in all public lands afforded to the citizens of the United States. He was a historian and preservationist in the lore of Smokejumping and enjoyed sitting around a campfire with his NSA brothers and sisters with a bottle of Famous Grouse and engaging in some good old hyperbole. He always had a smile on his face and a laugh in his throat and he will be missed greatly.
To honor Jim’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be sent to the National Smokejumpers Association by visiting www.smokejumpers.com or the Masonic Lodge Fraternal Organization, 1102 4th Ave E, Polson, MT 59860. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share memories of Jim.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Bill Coddington says
What a great guy! I taught with Jim at Sunhaven/Capital and always enjoyed his frank but humorous understanding of our daily life of dealing with teenagers.
Neil and Kathleen Harrington says
So sorry to hear that Jim has died. We remember what fun we had with Illa and Jim on game night. Hugs to Illa, Bill and Jennifer.
Kathleen and Neil Harrington
Susan proul says
Sorry for your loss..neighbors for many years and babysitter to Billy and Jennifer. Keep your memories close in your hearts and he will always be with you. RIP. Susan bass Proul
Corey Baker says
Jim was truly one of a kind. A great story teller, captivating historian and the kind of fella you just looked forward to drinkin’ a beer with. Memories with him will be cherished. Thanks Jim.
Ron Thomas says
lost a Great Crib player, and a person you could call on when you needed help! Sorry for your loss, Bill, Jenny, and dear sister Illa Ann!
Molly Harris says
The Harris family is heart broken to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such an important part of our lives for so many years, and was a father figure, teacher, and hero. Illa, Billy, and Jen, our hearts are with you. Love to all of you and your family
Theresa Blazicevich says
So sorry to hear about your loss of Jim. Illa, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I miss getting together with you, so feel free to email or give me a call anytime.
Tammy Cecil says
I served Jim coffee every Tues. for 3 years. Tues. is my favorite day to work because of the great groups that come in for coffee. Jim is one of my faves. My condolences to all of you, family and friends. I will miss him.
Brenda Pennington says
Jennifer, sorry for your loss. Your dad was a nice man and helped me greatly in middle school with counseling. He taught me valuable techniques to help with headaches also. I remember you two were very close.
Dewey and Rosana Skelton says
We were shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Jim. As a fellow smokejumper, we have enjoyed coffee on Tuesdays at the Red Atlas, and we will miss him greatly. Our condolences to his family.