James "Jim" Clayton Phillips, 69, of Elkins, went on to be with the Lord, departing this life late Wednesday evening, Nov. 11, 2009, in Davis Memorial Hospital.
He was born Saturday, Jan. 13, 1940, at Elkins, a son of the late Perry Hall Phillips and Dessie Gladys Bright Phillips, and the grandson of the late Alba Irvin Phillips and Naomi Sipe Phillips, and John Add Bright and Mary Ann Teter Bright.
He attended the schools of Randolph County and was a graduate of Elkins High School. He was a Protestant by faith and in politics a Democrat. He was employed as a coal miner at Consol Coal Co. and Bethlehem Steel, was a member of the United Mine Workers of America and an underground foreman. He also worked as a lumberjack and in the construction trades for several years. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He enjoyed the great outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He liked watching football and enjoyed the company of family and friends. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be deeply missed.
He leaves behind his widow, Clara Youvone Curtis Phillips of Philippi; one son, Ronald Clayton Phillips and wife, Dorothy, of Philippi; two daughters, Kimberly Fay Everson and husband, Allan, of Belington and Sandra June Phillips of Philippi; four sisters, Loretta Jean Hinkle and husband, Fred, of Beverly, Virginia "Ginny" Ann Skidmore and husband, Ronald, of Elkins, Mary Josephine Hinkle of Louisburg, N.C., and Nancy Ellen Mullens of Elkins; two brothers, Steve Hall Phillips of Belington and Allen Dale Phillips of Beverly; five grandchildren, Matthew Everett Phillips, Justin Robert Phillips, Jonathan Eugene Everson, Joshua Allan Everson and Andrew Stuart Everson; two great-grandchildren, Chloe Deandra Phillips and Gabryel Celena Phillips; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, James "Jimmy" Everett Phillips; and two brothers, Robert "Bob" John Phillips and Donald Perry Phillips.
In lieu of a burial, his final wish to be cremated was honored Friday, Nov. 13. His son and nephew will do the honors of scattering his ashes near his favorite hunting spot on Backbone Mountain in Tucker County near the Bright Family Cemetery.
Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at The Refuge Church on Route 219 north and Stalnaker Run Road, Elkins, with Pastor Kevin Gainer officiating.
