James Phillips

PHILLIPS, James Charles - age 78, of Swartz Creek, died September 30, 2021. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, October 4, 2021 at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 4413 Morrish Rd., Swartz Creek with Fr. Louis Ekka celebrant. Visitation will be held 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Sunday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI 48473 where a rosary will be prayed at 7 PM Sunday evening. Covid-19 protocols will be followed with masks required and social distancing. Interment will be held 1:30 PM Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Swartz Creek Community Food Pantry. James was born October 2, 1942 in Central Lake, MI, the son of James F. and C. Jane (Albert) Phillips. He married Caroline Anderson on November 28, 1964. James was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army in 1965 and served in the Vietnam War where he earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He retired from the Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel. James retired from Carman - Ainsworth Schools where he was a math teacher and the first Girls Tennis Coach after the District merger. He later taught as an Adjunct Professor at UM-Flint. James was a proud solider, teacher and devoted family man who attended many activities of his grandchildren. Surviving are: wife, Caroline; daughter, Lori (Neale) Clark of White Lake; son, John (Rachel) Phillips of Stevensville, MI; five grandchildren, Carly (fiance, Zach Harkey), Caitlin, Connor, and Corrina Clark, and Anderson Phillips; brother-in-law, William (Peggy) Anderson and family. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.