James F. Phillips

Obituary

  James (Jim) Phillips, 76, of Greensboro, N.C., passed away on February 11, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Jim was born March 10, 1944, in Lima, Ohio to Ralph and Emalou Phillips, who precede him in death. On June 22, 1969, he married Sharon Kirk.

   Jim was a 1962 graduate of Lima Senior High School. After many years in retail, he and Sharon became owner/operators of Bud’s Dairy Inn in Elida for 20 years. During that time, Jim also served on the Elida School Board and as a Village Council member. Jim was very active in the Masons for 51 years. A member of Lima Lodge #585/205 for more than 30 years, Jim was a three-time Past Master, served as District Education Officer and was named a District Deputy Grand Master of Ohio. After moving to North Carolina, he spent 20 years as a member of Stokesdale Lodge #428, serving nine of those years as treasurer.

   Jim is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sharon. He was also a beloved father to son Kirk (Naomi) Phillips of Georgetown, Ky. and daughter Amy (Kent) Lovett of Greensboro, N.C. He also is survived by four grandchildren, Chad and Bradley Lutz and Morgan and Bailey Lovett; two great-grandchildren Gavin and Madelyn Lutz; sister Karen Phillips of Elida; brother-in-law Tom (Debbie) Kirk; and sister-in-law Melanie (Louie) Stokes.

   A memorial service will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the video fund at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Elida or to the Stokesdale Masonic Lodge #428 Building Fund at 8420 Ellisboro Rd., Stokesdale, N.C. 27357.