Lt Col James B Phillips United States Air Force Ret

James (Jim) Barnard Phillips, age 80, passed peacefully into the Lord's arms at home on February 24, 2021. Jim is survived by Patricia L. Phillips (Jettner) his wife of 59 years, sons James, Jr.(Suzanne); John(Wendy) and Jeffery(Tauna). He was deeply loved by nine grandchildren; Morrigan, James III (Katrina), Sid(Leslie), Kolby(Hannah), Jennifer, Julie, Ciara(Ricky), Charles and Charlotte. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Clinton Phillips and Ella Ligon Phillips. Jim was born June 22, 1940 in Quitman, Georgia but was raised in Lakeland and Miami, Florida. It was in Miami that he meet Pat, the love of his life. After graduating from Miami Jackson High School, Jim studied Business Management at the University of Miami. Jim and Pat married in Miami in 1961. After graduating from UM, Jim was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He served most of his career in Strategic Air Command's ICBM Minuteman Missile program, including Minuteman II operations program manager at Hq. SAC in Omaha, Nebraska. He also commanded the Air Force ROTC program at Troy University in Alabama. He was stationed in Japan, Montana, Nebraska, Alabama and North Dakota and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with over 21 years. Jim and Pat returned back to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Jim was a faithful servant of the Lord and a life long member of the United Methodist Church. He enjoyed singing in the Chancel Choir at the Shalimar United Methodist Church. Jim also served on the Administrative Board, Council of Ministries, Vision 2000 Planning Committee, Emmaus Community and as a Stephen Minister. Following the birth of their Grandchildren, Jim and Pat relocated to Melbourne, Florida. Jim and Pat have been active members at Suntree United Methodist Church where Jim taught men's a bible study and served on the Trustee's committee. Jim's family gave him so much joy and he loved being a Father and Grandfather. One of his favorite things was taking his granddaughters to Perkins restaurant every Saturday for a lunch date. He also enjoyed his military Honor Flight trip to Washington DC and asked his Grandson Sid to be his escort. Anyone who knows Jim knows his devotion to God, Family and Country are stronger than anyone, and will have to endure hours of conversation about all three. The Life of James B Phillips will be celebrated at Suntree United Methodist Church on March 5 at 10:30. In Lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made in the name of James may be made to Suntree UMC or Space Coast Honor Flight. At 2:15 James will be interred at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery following the service. Masks required for Celebration Service.