Jim was seriously wounded while in the service and spent 18 months in the US Naval Hospital in California.  He was Honorably Discharged in 1954 and received the National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal with Star; United Nations Service Medal; Korean PUC and Purple Heart for his bravery and outstanding service to our country.

Although Jim’s injuries left him permanently disabled, his spirit was never defeated and he became more determined than ever to get an education and channel his love of sports into coaching and teaching young adults.

Jim received a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University and began a career with Brazosport Independent School District as a teacher and coach. He later earned a certificate as an Administrative Specialist in Public Administration from The University of Texas.  He continued his career with BISD and later went on to serve as the Principal of Brazosport High School for many years. During his tenure at Brazosport he was loved by all and helped shape the lives of many young people. He will be remembered for going above and beyond to help all students reach their maximum potential while fostering pride in themselves, their school, and their community.

Jim retired from public education in 1990 to pursue a second career in politics. He served on the Freeport City Council for many years and also as the Mayor of Freeport.  He was elected to serve as Brazoria County Judge in 1990 and proudly represented the citizens of the entire county for four years. He loved his job as Judge and felt it a tremendous honor and privilege to represent Brazoria County.  Although he cared deeply for all of the citizens of the county, he had a special place in his heart for Freeport and its citizens.  When many others chose to move away, Jim refused to leave the city he loved and its schools and people. He remained active in politics up until recently and many were amazed at his sharp mind and wisdom even in the late stages of his illness.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Dell Phillips; his three children, Tracie Leigh Phillips, of Lake Jackson, James Wesley Phillips Jr., of Freeport and Amy Claire Phillips, of Lake Jackson; four grandchildren, Clinton Michael Truitt and wife, Banu, of Williston, North Dakota, Christopher Lee Truitt, of Georgetown, Texas, Colton Wyatt Phillips, of Freeport and Therron Joseph King, of Lake Jackson; and one great granddaughter, Reagan Leigh Truitt, of Georgetown, Texas. He is also survived by two brothers, Dee Phillips and wife, Marilyn, of Lamesa, Texas and Neal Phillips and wife, Sally, of New Boston, Texas; two sisters, Doris Kirkland and husband, Wesley, of Breckenridge, Texas and Evaline Sisson, of Lamesa, Texas; and by numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.

A Rosary for Jim will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Freeport with visitation to follow. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. also at St. Mary’s.  Burial will take place at Walker Cemetery in Redland, Texas on Thursday at 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be H.P. “Bubba” Rape, W.H. “Willie” Cervenka, Terry Starnes, Pete Giles, Johnny Ray Roberts, W.F. Gonzales, Fred Bolton and Doug Boone.  Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Langston, John Stanford, John Rice, Joe Kenneth Tyner, Lon Siddall, Ronnie Quinn, James Blackstock, Richard Rangel, Gary Beverly, Clifford Fletcher, Robert Leffingwell, Percival Beacroft, Toby Davenport and Charles Wagner.

Final arrangements are in the care of the Turner Family at Freeport Lakewood Funeral Homes, Inc.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the many thoughts and prayers which have been extended to them. A special thanks to the Hospice Care Team of Lake Jackson and Jim’s exceptional nurses Marian and Tony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice Care Team of Lake Jackson.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.freeportlakewoodfuneralhomes.com