James Lee Phillips

A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and dear friend, James Lee Phillips entered eternal peace at the age of 79 at his home in San Antonio, Texas, on March 3, 2026. Born on May 16, 1946, in Shreveport, Louisiana, he was the cherished son of the late Claude Phillips and Pearl Ogden. Later a member of the Church of Christ, he was baptized on August 4, 1991, alongside his daughter.

James was an extremely punctual, neat, and organized man who took pride in everything he did. He loved his coffee, enjoyed washing his truck daily, and had a true passion for classic trucks and cars. Known as “Sarge,” he was a proud Vietnam veteran of the United States Army and carried his service with honor and dignity throughout his life. During his military service, he earned numerous honors and decorations, including the Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Silver Star, Combat Infantryman Badge (First Award), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar.

On June 5, 1981, he married the love of his life and soulmate, Gloria Ann Baggett. Together they shared 45 years of marriage, weathering life’s ups and downs while building a life rooted in love, laughter, and family.

A country boy at heart, James loved his wife’s Southern cooking. Among his favorite dishes were beans and rice, cornbread dressing, hot cornbread with buttermilk, banana pudding, fried catfish, fried chicken, and just about anything that was meat and potatoes for this Louisiana boy. He was famous for making the best breakfasts, with his homemade biscuits and gravy being a family favorite.

A hardworking and determined man, James dedicated many years of his life to working as a welder and truck driver. For a short time he even tried his hand at bull riding before eventually retiring and proudly taking on his favorite role as the full-time “taxi driver” for his wife and family.
James was also a devoted dog dad, and his beloved pug, “Little Pearl,” was his world. His home was known as the “candy shop,” always filled with everyone’s favorite snacks—a reflection of his generous and thoughtful spirit that his grandchildren especially loved. Affectionately known as “PaPa” or “Old Man” to his grandchildren, his favorite phrase was, “I love you to the moon and back!”—a sentiment that will forever echo in their hearts.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Gloria Ann Phillips; his children: Shawn Phillips (Melissa), Brandi Moore (Paul), Nicole Pompa (Michael), and Randall Phillips; his grandchildren: Marshall Phillips (Katelyn), Jordan Martin, Amber Phillips, Ginaveve Phillips, Blake Martin, Cristian Phillips (Jadyn), Hailey Pompa (Jonah), Adam Phillips, Aiden Boone, Emily Pompa (Tyler), Kaeli Boone, Hayden Pompa, Easton Moore, and Lola Phillips; and his great-grandchildren: Paisley, Hudson, Ayla, and his angel in heaven, Aelita; along with numerous other close relatives, dear friends, and neighbors.

James will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his tough exterior but kind and compassionate heart, his devotion to family, and the warmth he brought into every room. His legacy of love, hard work, and unwavering dedication to his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him for generations to come.