Obituaries

James P. "Jimmy" Phillips

Photo of James P. "Jimmy" Phillips
James P. "Jimmy" Phillips, 70, of North Little Rock, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2017. Jimmy was born in Old Austin, Arkansas on December 7, 1946 to Avon G. Phillips Sr. and Janice Gibson who preceded him. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era, 1964–1969, aboard the U.S.S. Charles F. Adams, DDG-2 (first in its class). Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Connie; brother, Junior Phillips (Jeannie); son, Todd Barron; grandsons, Cameron Baugh and Bryce Barron; former daughter-in-law, Jennie Barron; mother-in-law, Linda Brown; brothers-in-law, Robert Brown, Jr. (Alison), David Brown (Susan), and John Showalter; great aunt, Jean Harvey; nieces Holly Tramel (Gary), Mendy Dixon (Brian), Kayla Griffin (Brad), Mary, Catie and Hallie Brown; many great-nieces/nephews, cousins and special friend, Percy Ellis. Jimmy was a member of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, where he served as an usher and helped with all special events. His smile was always a warm welcome to his Cathedral Parish Family and visitors. Christmas at the Cathedral would not be complete without a visit from Jimmy as St. Nicholas, and he was privileged to watch many Cathedral youth grow up. He was a Knight Commander of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a Fourth-Degree Knight of Columbus, member of the Knights of Columbus, Lodge 6253, and the Kiwanis Club of North Little Rock. Jimmy worked alongside his father and brother in the family businesses – most recently, Phillips Brothers Towing and Recovery. He once said, "There wasn't a North Little Rock street I haven't been down or a ditch I haven't towed someone out of." He was a long supporter of the City of North Little Rock and served as Alderman of Ward 3 and on the Board of Adjustment. Jimmy used his knowledge of towing to pursue his hobby – NASCAR! For over 25 years, he worked NASCAR races on the safety team. Every weekend, the air of enthusiasm was prevalent in Phillips' living room, particularly when a wreck was imminent. Martin Truex, #78 for Furniture Row, was Jimmy's current favorite driver, and he was their guest at headquarters in Denver a few years ago. Jimmy learned to love Colorado from his wife, a native. After retirement, they enjoyed spending winters and summers at their cabin on the Continental Divide in Rollinsville, Colorado. A Vigil will be held with Deacon Charles V. Ashburn, this evening, Friday, June 30, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 617 Louisiana Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, followed by a reception in McDonald Hall. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Jack Vu with Deacon William J. Bowen, Homilist, at the Cathedral on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at 10 a.m., immediately followed by entombment with full military honors at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 10200 Highway 5 North, Alexander, Arkansas. Pallbearers are John Bailey, Larry Clemens, Brian Dixon, Joel Foster, Brad Griffin, Greg Peters, Butch Phillips, and Gary Tramel. The family wishes to thank Dr. Brad Baltz and the entire staff of CARTI, CHI St. Vincent's Infirmary Infusion staff, Dr. Mark St. Pierre, Samantha and all the caregivers at Baptist Springhill Hospital Coronary ICU, who loved Jimmy and improved the quality of his life until he said goodbye. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Jimmy's name to the Cathedral of St. Andrew Building and Restoration Fund, CARTI, Subiaco Academy, Catholic High School for Boys, Kiwanis Club of North Little Rock or a charity of one's choosing. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Jimmy's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

Published June 30, 2017

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