MSG Jimmy L. Phillips

Jimmy Lee Phillips – also known as Phil to colleagues and friends – was born on January 12, 1945, in Crystal Springs, MS to John L. Phillips and Eddie Bell May. He believed in God, his family, and his country.

He grew up on a farm in rural Arkansas where he developed a strong work ethic and true leadership skills. He graduated from Chicot County High School in Dermott, AR in 1963 . He then volunteered for the Army at the height of the Vietnam War.

It was in the Army that Phil truly distinguished himself as a leader. Known and respected by his peers as the Super Sergeant, he received many commendations over 28 years of service in Vietnam. He earned two Bronze Stars ; the Meritorious Service Medal, five Army Commendation Medals; Army Achievement Medal Vietnam Service and Campaign, and Master Parachute Badge; National Defense Service Medal and Southwest Asia Campaign Ribbon, and Army Good Conduct Medal. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1991.

Among his greatest and most cherished honors was bestowed on him by U.S. General Colin Powell, the man who would later become the first Black Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Security Advisor, and then Secretary of State.

Phil would remain faithful to his spiritual upbringing. He was baptized at an early age in the Baptist faith. He served as an elder in the Willow Park Church in San Antonio. While in the care of the Kerrville Veteran Administration’s facility, he volunteered to serve as spiritual advisor to many of his colleagues there. He was well known as the music man because he would go around the facility playing patriotic songs.

Phil is survived by his wife of 40 years, Claudia Phillips, a son, Jimmy L. (Shannon) Phillips Jr., of Seattle, WA; four daughters, Sheila Phillips, of Seattle, WA; Cheree (Eduardo ) Gonzales, of San Francisco, CA ; Racquel Phillips, of Corpus Christi; Joy Ross, of San Antonio; a devoted older sister, Emma Jefferson, of Arkansas; an aunt, Versie Shaw, of Little Rock, AR; dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandchild.