James Wallace Phillips, lovingly known by his friends and family as "Sonny", of Sand Springs, passed from this life on August 9, 2025 at the age of 92. Services are under the care and direction of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.
James was born on May 24, 1933, in Bemis, Tennessee, to Cloyad and Bonnie Phillips. He lived his early years in the Bemis/Jackson area, attending school until he answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. He was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 72nd Tank Battalion, stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. After his military service, James began a long and dedicated career with Wonder Bread, where he worked for 33 years as a shipping clerk until his retirement.
On January 29, 1957, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, James married the love of his life, Maxine. Together they shared 68 wonderful years, building a life filled with love, faith, and family. They attended Prattwood Assembly of God and remained active in their church community.
In his early years, James developed a passion for working on cars, often buying and selling vehicles for his daughters. A skilled handyman, he could repair just about anything — and if he couldn't, it probably wasn't fixable. Known for his ingenuity, he was famous for his creative "rigging and duct tape" solutions.
Upon retirement, James and Maxine purchased land near Keystone, where he found joy in farming, gardening, and caring for animals. He loved being outdoors and embraced every opportunity to work with his hands.
James was a devoted family man who cherished time with his children and grandchildren. He took them on nature walks, built birdhouses (and taught them how to make their own), and shared his love of fishing. Trips to Las Vegas to watch the PBR, family beach vacations in Florida, and countless road trips back to Tennessee to visit family are also among many treasured memories.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Maxine; daughters Vickie Beard and husband Louie, Pam Shields and husband Dan, and Cindy Haas and husband Ed; sisters Jean Kirby, JoAnne DeSpain and Claudia Scott. He also leaves behind grandchildren Luke Beard, Jesse Beard, Chase Shields, Afton Haas, and Chelsea Mabrey; great-grandchildren Lucy Beard, Lawson Beard, McCoy Shields, Bree Shields, and Fount Mabrey.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Carey Phillips; and his sister, Bonnie Walker.
James will be remembered as a hardworking, kindhearted, and endlessly resourceful man whose love for his family, his work, and the outdoors will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.