June 14, 1944 – January 9, 2024
Phillips, James M (Jim), 79, of Largo, Fl passed away on January 9th, 2024 at home with his wife Carol, son Darin, daughter Julie and dog Jasper by his side. He served with the US Army from March 1966-March 1968 with the 4th Infantry Division 1/12th in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart and CIB. Jim was born in Vicksburg, Michigan son of Darrell L and Frances L Phillips. Jim was an avid boater, fisherman, and he was involved in animal rescue. He was in construction and sales and retired from Suncoast Roofer’s Supply.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Birds of Prey (https://birdsinhelpinghands.org), The Humane Society of a charity of donor’s choice. A Celebration of Life Service will be Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Veteran’s Funeral Care, 830 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, Fl.
I was surprised to learn of his death, He had good life right up to his recent stroke. He is missed by all his friends.
Sorry to hear about this. Jim was a good friend and a 1/12 Red Warrior brother. Prayers go out to Carol and the rest of the family.RIP Jim
God Bless
I was so Blessed to spend time with Jim and Carol at our 50th Year Red Warriors Convention.
We appreciated Jim’s efforts to rescue birds and his monthly donations towards the care for our wildlife.
Today January 10, while I was having dinner with my family at Stuff Pizza, At 7:34 PM, I received a very heart wrenching message from Carol Phillips, Jim’s wife. She informed me that Jim had passed away. I new by her tone that something was wrong and I was numb and shocked. I had just spoken to Jim maybe a couple of weeks ago. We usually call each other every couple of months. He was a very likable guy. He was respectful and honorable, a true Redwarrior. We had short conversations about Nam and how we survived and how the LORD kept us alive. You see both Jim and I were wounded in Nam. Jim actually twice, but neither one of us was seriously wounded. When I first met Jim he was on a stretcher being evacuated. It was his very first day in the jungle with the Recon platoon. Sargent Kaneko was killed that day; March 17, 1967. Jim told me later that when he was loaded into the chopper, the pilot asked him how long he was in country? Jim told him that it was his very first day. Wow the pilot responded, “ I don’t think you are going to make it.” He not only made it but survived several battles in the Central Highlands.
I don’t want to cry because I hurt inside, but to celebrate his life and be thankful for him living his life to the fullest. He enjoyed his spirits and enjoyed a good time. He loved to go fishing and told me about his boat. We kept saying some day I would go and visit and we could go fishing on his boat. We would also talked about our families and how time has changed from the way we were brought up. He loves Carol and his kids, and he would do anything to help them out.
Good Bye friend, soldier, Brother. I will miss you Recon Brother.
Jim January 9 2024 the earth lost a wonderful man. You were loved by many. I won’t say good bye I will say we will see you later. God got a wonderful angel. Mark and I love you.
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He will be sorely missed.
Prayers for his wife Carol and children.
We are so sorry to hear the news of Jim our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was so nice to talk with Jim in the neighborhood and will be missed.
If you all need anything let us know. We are in town.
Joe and Lori Skidmore
I am sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. My prayers go out to Carol and the family.