James M. (Jim) Phillips, Jr., age 83 of Forest City died Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Hospice House in Forest City. Jim was born on May 27, 1943, in Alderson, West Virginia and was the son of the late James M. Phillips, Sr., and Clara Boyd Phillips.

 

He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon and on various committees over the years.  Jim received his college degrees from West Virginia University in 1966, as well as at Appalachian State University and Isothermal Community College.  He worked for 25 years in management with Sears & Roebuck Company and later as a district sales manager for Lowe’s Incorporated where he retired. 

His military service included two tours of duty as a pilot in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War where he flew missions in the KC135 rising to the rank of Captain. He was active in the ROTC program from 1962 until 1966 and served on active duty from 1966 until 1972.

Jim enjoyed photography, painting, and woodworking as well as being a member of Gideon’s International.  He was also a dedicated supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, serving many years as Assistant Scout Master in Forest City Troop 125. He spent many years mentoring the youth of the community through scouting and his church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary Feamster Philips who died in March of 2026 and his sister, Shirley Phillips Highlander.

Survivors include his son, James M. Phillips, III and wife Dana of Hendersonville, his daughters, Caroline P. Abbott and husband Chris of Fuquay Varina, NC, and Mary Phillips Tampa and husband Mike of Cornelius, NC, his brothers, Eddie Phillips and wife Carol of Radcliff, KY, and Pat Phillips and wife Devena of Alderson, WV, his sisters, Barbara P. Bradley and husband Joe of Alderson, WV, and Nancy P. Feamster and husband Lee of Charleston, WV as well as his beloved grandchildren, Breanne Cruikshank (Will), Grace Abbott, Kyle Scavo, Emily Phillips, and Mason Scavo.

The Funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in The Padgett and King Chapel with Pastor Lane Goff officiating.  Interment will follow at Bethany Baptist Church cemetery with military honors accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.  Visitation will be held from 1 until 2 o’clock prior to the service at the mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church Building Fund, 760 Bethany Church Road, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary and Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com