James L. Phillips, age 89 of Maryville, IL, born May 26, 1930 in Lilbourn, MO, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.

James was a retired U.S. Army veteran. He served his country for 21 years. During his 21 years of service, he was in the Korean War and served as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division, where he earned a Combat Infantry Badge and was awarded the Bronze Star. He was a barber and a businessman for over 20 years in Granite City, IL and a member of Copper Creek Christian Church in Maryville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Iva (nee Morris) Phillips; two brothers:  J.C. Phillips and Gene Phillips; two sisters, Marie Levines and Rose Butler

He is survived by his wife, Freda (nee Steele) Phillips, whom he married March 16, 1954; a son, James Phillips, Jr. of Maryville, IL; a daughter, Donna (Mike) Harper of Glen Carbon, IL; two grandchildren:  Joshua Harper and Amanda Hornacek; and three great grandchildren:  Malaki, Josiah and Harper Hornacek.

Upon his request, James is being cremated and will be having a private family service at his home.

Memorials may be made to Copper Creek Christian Church, 2184 Vadalabene, Maryville, IL 62062.