James Edward Phillips, 97, of Ringgold, passed away Friday, April 2, 2021.
James was born and raised in Florence, Al., and was a 1943 graduate of Coffee High School. He was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Army with the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale, Colorado and with the 164th Infantry Regiment in the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, and Japan. James moved with his young family to the Chattanooga area in 1951. He worked with the U.S. Postal Service for 40 years, including 19 years as a railway mail clerk.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Louise Pounders Phillips; his parents, Joseph and Ethel Phillips; and nine brothers and sisters.
Survivors include his daughter, Donna Phillips Cooke and her husband, Tom Cooke, of Ringgold; son, Tim Phillips and his wife, Stacey Haire, of Marietta; grandchildren, Jason Alexander of Chattanooga, Scott Alexander and his wife, Emily, of Chattanooga; great-grandchildren, Thomas and Lauren Alexander; and several nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful for the excellent care provided to James by Rosewood Assisted Living in Fort Oglethorpe and by Tapestry Hospice.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a small private family ceremony with military honors will be held at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 3239 Battlefield Parkway, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., www.heritagebattlefield.com