James A. “Jim” Phillips Jr. passed away January 30, 2024, in Lacey, Washington. He was born July 6, 1933, to James and Emma Phillips in San Pedro, California.
Jim graduated from Lincoln High School 1953 in Tacoma, Washington, and earned a BA in Business from Pacific Lutheran University (1959). He served in the U.S. Navy, and married Ruth B. Sather on June 16, 1956, in Lacrosse, Washington. Professionally, he worked for the Boy Scouts of America (1959-1994) and Lewis County Public Health Department (1994-2000). He was a founding board member of Pope’s Kids Place/Pope’s Place in Centralia, Washington, and a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
Jim loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also developed very special relationships with friends and peers throughout the area. He had a passion for helping children through Boy Scouts and Pope’s Place, loved the outdoors, and had a knack of finding underground water pipes with a backhoe!
Jim is survived by sons, Greg (Edie) of Monroe, Washington, Gary (Alliea) of Lacey, and Gordon (Adel) of Olympia; daughters, Janice Cherin of Seattle, and Jolene (Kurt) of Lacey; grandchildren, Anderew (Vanessa), Derek, and Tyler Cherin, Erik (Anna), Bryan (Lee), and Jeff (Mandy) Stiles, Sean and Andy Phillips, Jacey and Dan Phillips; and four great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Caleb, Cooper Cherin and Holly Stiles. He is also survived by sisters, Barbara Lentz of Tri-Cities, Washington, and Suzie Mutch of Pullman, Washington; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Emma; wife, Ruth; brother, Richard; sisters, Roberta (Bobbie) and Margaret (Margie); and son-in-law, Greg Cherin.
Services will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1601 North St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501.
Memorial donations may be made to Pope’s Place, 230 Washington Way, Centralia, WA 98531
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