James Grant "Jim" Phillips
May 4, 1962 ~ February 9, 2016
James (Jim) Grant Phillips, 53, of California, MD, passed away on February 9, 2016 in Falls Church, VA. Born on May 4, 1962 in Carmel, CA, he was the son of Eleanor (Ellie) M. Phillips of Colchester, CT, and the late James C. Phillips, Jr of Minneapolis, MN. Jim is survived by his daughter Heather D. Phillips of Illinois, siblings: Sandra Phillips and Dee Phillips both of Connecticut. He graduated from Eli Whitney Tech in 1980, and moved from San Diego, CA in 1998 to St. Mary’s County, MD. Jim served in the United States Navy for 14 years retiring in 1998, while serving in the Navy, his duty stations included San Diego and Long Beach, CA aboard the USS Tarawa USS Pelileu , and USS John Paul Jones. He worked for BAE Systems as a field engineer for 18 years. Jim was a fisherman, Sci-Fi enthusiast, gamer, and comedian extraordinaire.
A Memorial Service will be held on February 28, 2016 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 Pm in the Bay Dist. Fire Department Social Hall Lexington Park, MD
In lieu of flowers, please donate to either the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.
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Jim was not only my coworker and supervisor, he was my friend as well. My office mate and I knew that he would be in our office right after 8 am each and every day to greet us and talk about not only work but anything and everything. He would joke around and make light of every situation but yet he was always there when you needed to talk or help. He stood up for his “peeps” and encouraged us. Work, and the world in general, will be a much darker place now that Jim is gone. Live long and prosper, Mr. Phillips.
One of my favorite memories of Jim, was on the rear deck of the JPJ. He was in the Navy at the time and was assigned as the ships technician supporting NAWCAD on the installation, checkout, and operational evaluation of the SLQ-20. His helpfulness and dedication, combined with the impression he left when he attended the UPX-24 class were all we needed to know that we wanted him to join our team. On that fantail, Lee Phillips and I “pitched” joining our team when his time in the service was complete. We fielded several question about southern Maryland, and quite surprisingly Jim never held it against me that I try to make southern Maryland sound better than San Diego. We were honored to have him join us for 18 short years. Jim will be missed, remembered for his dedication, and his sense of humor that brought smiles to not only my face but many others. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers.
I knew Jim for over thirty years. He had a quick whit and a great sense of humor. He had great quotes such as “words mean things” – “that’s not food, that’s what food eats” and “trains are dangerous”. He always looked after his peeps and once took the entire day off and drove hundreds of miles to deliver bad news in person instead of in an email message. He had the right ratios of “do the right thing” and “who cares?” Jim’s passing came way too soon and he will be greatly missed.
Ellie,
Sending love, thoughts and prayers to you and your daughters during this difficult time of loss.
Fondly,
Patty
Jim made everyone he knew feel that they were his friend. He showed kindness and generosity in a variety of ways every day. He was the first to offer assistance at work, and also be a friend if you needed to fix your car or move furniture. He gave of himself to all who might need a little help. He was a leader through example at work and in his life.