James A. "Jim" Phillips Jr.

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 (daughter of John and Ida 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 for 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, Andrew (Vanessa), Derek, and Tyler Cherin, Erik (Anna), Bryan (Lee), and Jeff (Mandy) Stiles, Sean and Andy (Laura) 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 (Paul) 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.

Service and burial at Selbu Lutheran Church April 20, 2024, at 1 p.m., in LaCrosse, Wash.

Memorial donations may be made to Pope's Place, 230 Washington Way, Centralia, WA 98531.