July 5, 1923 — March 12, 2016

James George Phillips, 92, of Buchanan Michigan passed away on March 12, 2016, at his family farm.

Funeral services for James will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan with Pastor Randy Pearman of Bethel Baptist Church, Niles officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan with Military Honors being provided by Buchanan American Legion Post 51 and the U.S Army team. A viewing will be held two hours prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com

Born July 5th of 1923, in Roseland, Indiana to the late LeRoy and Elizabeth Phillips. James (Jim) was a Veteran of World War II, a foot soldier in the Infantry, where he received a Purple Heart. He served from March of 1943 until December of 1945, with no leaves, touring a list of many countries including Austria, Borneo, New Guinea and was one of the first to make land fall after the Nuclear Bomb of Hiroshima. Our humble Hero. On Nov. 12, 1955 he married Dorothy Moody. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy and two sons Robert (Jill) Phillips, of Cassopolis, Ted Phillips of Buchanan; grandchildren Jenna (DJ) Ennesser, Cody Phillips, Tanner Phillips and one great grandchild Jaxon Ennesser. His sister JoAnn Burrows (Bill) of Cassopolis, nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Yurkovic.

Jim grew up working the fields and dairy, and continued to do after returning from service in the war. He was a hard worker, doing the farm work before and after his full time shifts at Clark Equipment from which he retired. He and Dorothy raised their family, on hard work, faith in God, pride and love for each other. For many years they had Phillips Hyrdropontic Tomatoes.

Jim loved to spend his days outside, rebuilding his tractor, fixing things, (over) pruning trees and taking care of his farm. He and Dorothy liked to travel, garden and make their home welcoming together. He enjoyed going to the tractor pulls, and spending time with his grandkids and family. He was many things; honorable, strong, loyal, kind, selfless, and able to fix anything.

Although, a quiet man, he had the best smile and a strong hug. We could count on the comfort that came with his presence. He liked to make us laugh, either with a harmless prank, or a chiming in at the perfect time with his quick wit. That was always followed by a glimmer in his eye and a smile on his face: the mask of his sweet, mischievous side. We were blessed to have a such a long life with him, and all he has taught us knowingly and unknowingly. We are honored to be his family, to have such a wonderful man as the foundation of who we are, watching over us wherever our lives are to take us. We will miss him greatly, and our world is a better place for having him in it. Until we are with you again, we’ll be missing you. Love, Your Family.