James Lind Phillips

James (Jim) Lind Phillips, age 92, passed away October 27, 2023, in Pocatello, Idaho after spending his first night ever in a hospital. Jim was born February 12, 1931, the second and last child, to George Melvin and Jennie Victoria (Lind) Phillips at Polk County Nebraska in the same farmhouse where his father was born. Being born during the depression to a religious mother and witty father shaped Jim's formative years and resulted in a lifetime of frugality, God fearing honesty and daily laughter.

Dad loved his early years on the farm in Nebraska and had happy times spent with extended family including plenty of cousins, as his parents came from large families. However, two years of meager crops for his parents during the dust bowl period changed the course of his life. At seven years old and with his older sister Carolyn his parents moved the family to Green Timber, Idaho where his father found farm work with a brother. Dad attended school through fifth grade at the one room Green Timber schoolhouse where his mother was the teacher. As the only student in his grade he remarked that he had the honors of being the smartest and the poorest student in his class.

The family moved to Ashton in 1942 and he attended Ashton schools, graduating in 1949. At age 13 he got a special license to drive a 1931 Model A Ford delivery truck when he worked at a local dairy bottling and delivering milk. In high school he participated in football, basketball and track. During his junior year he joined the National Guard. World War II veterans in the area were their heroes and Dad served in the Guard with many of his classmates from Ashton.

After high school graduation he spent a year at Idaho State College after which his Guard unit was called into active duty. As a platoon Sargent he spent one-year active duty with the 116th Combat Engineers in Korea building roads and bridges and was honorably discharged in March 1952. He was active his adult life with 116th reunions and cherished lifelong relationships with those he served.

Back in civilian life he continued his studies taking electrical courses at the vocational school in Pocatello. Apparently, the scheming ladies at the beauty school seemed to find plenty of electrical problems for the electrical students to come over and fix. He met one Shirley Hone from Firth and according to Dad's recollection it didn't take too long for Shirley to propose to him. They were married on November 18, 1953. Mom and Dad set a great example of a loving and committed marriage. They celebrated 68 years of married life before Mom's passing in 2021. In 1953 Jim started working for Idaho Power Co. where he had a long and illustrious career, retiring in 1995. His family appreciated his example of a dedicated, hardworking employee and being a reliable family provider his entire life.

Family life for Jim and Shirley brought three daughters and two sons: Mildred (Michael) Flandro of Pocatello, James (Jody) Phillips of Boise, Colleen Phillips of Pocatello, Todd (Lona) Phillips of Burley and Laura Phillips of Boise. Dad participated in many aspects of our lives and always provided a safe haven called home. We remember plenty of vacations to Island Park and in particular many memorable times camping at Warm River. Dad was always good for conversation, a smile and a laugh.

After retirement Jim was baptized into the LDS faith and shortly thereafter was sealed to his sweetheart. This was a capstone on a lifetime of faith in Christ and a Christian life. Jim especially enjoyed the many years that he served at the St Anthony branch in Pocatello.

During his retirement years he was active with his golfing buddies, spending time in his woodworking shop, serving with the Lion's Club, traveling with and harassing Shirley and spending time with his 12 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren (whom apparently, he loved more than his own children).

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carolyn and his daughter Mildred. Dad went out on his own terms and now Mom and Millie the ball is in your court!

A visitation will be held November 17th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. The funeral service will be November 18th at 10:30 am at Caldwell Park LDS Ward, 135 S. 7th, Pocatello, conducted by Jim's retired chaplain son James, with a visitation before the funeral from 9:15 am to 10:15 am. Burial will be at Mountain View Cemetery, Pocatello.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com
208-232-0542

 

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