Wise, VA – James Edward Phillips, Jr., 79, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025 at his home. Born in Lynch, KY, James lived most of his life in Big Stone Gap and had resided in Wise for the past four years. He was a surveyor for Westmoreland Coal Company. He adored his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He loved baseball and watching anything political on TV. He was a member of Christian Life Church in Big Stone Gap, VA.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jamie Elizabeth Phillips Johnson; and his parents, Ed & Jean Phillips.
James is survived by his wife of 48 years, Patsy Ann Hamilton Phillips; his son, James E. Phillips, III of Springfield, KY; his siblings, Leland Wayne Phillips of Big Stone Gap, VA and Charlotte Darlene Gilley (Steve) of Big Stone Gap, VA; his grandchildren, Jimmy Joe Lane (Jessica) of Wise, VA and Rebecca Vanover of Appalachia, VA; six great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends 11:00am – 1:00pm Friday, April 11, 2025, at Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory, 618 Wood Ave., W., Big Stone Gap, Va. The service will follow at 1:00pm with Lowell “Cotton” Gardner officiating.
Burial will follow in Powell Valley Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Phillips family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.