James "Jim" Phillips, Sr.

James “Jim” Andrew Phillips, Sr., 89, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, April 27, 2022.

Jim was born in Rock Hill, SC, to William Burrell and Carrie Tinkler Phillips on December 20, 1932.

He graduated from Rock Hill High School where he was co-captain of the football and basketball teams as well as an all-state track champion. While Jim excelled in sports, he was gifted academically as well. He chose to decline a football scholarship at Clemson University to enlist in the Navy where he served on the aircraft carriers the Leyte and the Coral Sea.

Jim married Joan Gregory in 1954 and began his studies in Engineering at Clemson following his discharge from the Navy. Jim’s career in electrical engineering began with work on the Mercury space program and from there the Apollo program. He moved to Winston-Salem in 1963 to work with Western Electric and transitioned to AT&T, finishing a master’s degree from Lehigh University in 1969, working on special projects including metallurgical engineering and fiber optics. Jim loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing, as well as sitting in his favorite recliner-rocker watching Clemson football games.

He was preceded in death by his youngest son, W. Gregory Phillips.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 68 years, Joan; his son, James Phillips Jr. (Mina) of New York; and his daughter, Valerie. He leaves behind three grandchildren, Richard (Lauren), Patrick (Stephanie), and Michelle (Kees) Coughlin; as well as great granddaughters, Ariana, Ellie, Rylee, and Juliet.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church on May 7, 2022, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Pioneers USA (#115051), a faith-based mission, at 10123 William Carey Dr., Orlando, FL 32832, or to the Disabled Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.