James Phillips Jr.

James "Jim" Wyatt Phillips Jr., 70, of Spartanburg passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 26, 2017. He was born May 10, 1947 in Richmond, Virginia, to Elsie Boone Schlaeger and the late Dr. James Wyatt Phillips. In his junior year, Jim attended Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia where he earned his Marksman Rifle Badge, was a member of the Varsity Gymnastics Team, and won the highest award in his company on the Marine Physical Fitness Test. He graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1965. He later attended Montreat Anderson College in North Carolina where he graduated with an Associate Degree in Science and then Wofford College where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Science. He went on to complete graduate studies in counseling and psychology at the University of South Carolina. Jim enjoyed a long and successful career as an individual and family therapist and was the owner of Working Well, Inc., providing employment assistance programs to businesses throughout the Upstate. He was widely known as a naturally gifted therapist who listened with great compassion and could always be depended on for wise and thoughtful advice. From the time that Jim was a young boy, he had a special connection with animals and was able to earn their trust. His sister, Sandy (Sissy) remembers neighbors and friends coming to their childhood home to see and hear Jim educate them about his "menagerie" of wild animals. More recently, Jim enjoyed time with his grandchildren, taking them "snake hunting" and nurturing in them a common love of nature. Jim's love of the outdoors led him to excel as a Boy Scout, earning the coveted Eagle Scout Award which was presented to him by his mother on February 28, 1961 at a special ceremony held at First Presbyterian Church. Jim later volunteered as a Boy Scout leader. He loved camping outdoors and "living by your wits" and he was known for his adventuresome spirit. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served in the U. S. Navy Reserve and received his Honorable Discharge on February 11, 1975. Always a deep thinker and creative mind, Jim's talent was showcased in the magnificent log cabin he once built after harvesting every log himself, the waterfalls he designed, stone fireplaces he built, his hand-made furniture, many paintings and most recently his beautiful courtyard sanctuary, all of which his friends and family have come to treasure. He had a special appreciation for Native Americans, their wisdom and respect of the land. Even as a young boy, he would hand craft headdresses, spears, and hatchets. Jim was always a hard worker and ready to lend a hand. He was a loving son, father, grandfather, and brother. He was a loyal friend and neighbor and he will be forever missed by us all. Jim is survived by his mother, Elsie Boone Schlaeger of Greensboro, NC (formerly of Spartanburg); two daughters: Shannon Phillips Jones (Michael) of Wadmalaw Island, SC and Shelley Anne Phillips of Bend, OR; five grandchildren: Liam and Iva Jones, and Chloe, Chance, and Cora Spencer; and his sisters, Sandra Phillips Burr (Allen) of Greensboro, NC and Mamie Fike Mills (Brian) of Athens, GA. He is also survived by his niece, Ashleigh Burr; nephew, Jason Burr (Amalie) of Greensboro, NC; as well as his Boone family of Jackson, NC. A Special Service, with military rites by American Legion Post #28, will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302, to be followed by a celebration of Jim's life at the home of good friends. Honorary escort will be members of the Palmetto Council, Boy Scouts of America. Memorials may be made in the memory of James Wyatt Phillips, Jr., c/o Palmetto Council, Boy Scouts of America, 420 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Wyatt Phillips Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.