Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home

James “Jim” Phillips

December 2, 1945          ~          October 21, 2023

James C. “Jim” Phillips, 77 of Hiseville, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on October 21^st, 2023.

A native of Hiseville in Barren County. He was born on December 2^nd, 1945, the second son of the late Clyde Preston and Helen Craig Phillips of Hiseville.  Jim was a 1963 graduate of Hiseville High School. 

He was saved as a young boy and is a member of Big Meadow Baptist Church.

After high school Jim, joined the US Army and served his country proudly both stateside and overseas in Okinawa, Japan. He was discharged in 1968, 3 days after the arrival of his first daughter and made his way back to Kentucky.  

After a short stint in Louisville, he returned home to take over the family grocery business that his father started.  He owned and operated Phillips Market in Hiseville from 1972 until 1999 when he passed the reins on to his brother Mike Phillips who proceeded him in death in June of 2023. He had broad shoulders and so many people leaned on him when times were hard, his love and kindness won’t be forgotten to those he has shown compassion for over the years. He was highly regarded inBarren County and the community and served with dignity and pride as Hiseville Fire Chief for over 30 years.  Jim was known for his ability to put people at ease no matter the situation, always calm, cool, and collective.  He was always the life of the party because of his sense of humor, quick wit, and his smile and that unforgettable laugh.   

While his health issues took that hardy laugh that we all missed terribly and the last several years have not been easy for him, but he never lost that sense of humor he was famous for. His daughters and grandchildren and those who helped care for him, will not miss those moments he enjoyed giving us a good scare, those moments he found hilariously funny.

His survivors include 3 daughters, Melissa Phillips Norris (Ray) of Edmonton, KY, Marsha Phillips Wilson (Jay), Of Bowling Green and Valerie Phillips Allen (Mike) of Hiseville; 7 grandchildren, Lindsey Lawhon(Jon), Logan Thomas(Patricia), Coty Norris(Savannah), Colton Norris(Andrea), Mallory Richey, Samantha Strode(Noah), and Gage Allen; 5 bonus grandchildren, Jay Wilson, Jr. (Crystal), Mary Beth Taylor(Darren), Andrew Wilson(Hannah), Tessa Norris and Samantha Cannon (Josh) and 11 great grandchildren, Ember Lawhon, Caroline Thomas, Grayson, Elaina, and Maggie Norris, Everett, Marshall, and Oliver Norris, Addilyn and Granger Richey, and Lilah Strode, and 4 bonus great grandchildren, Jayce Wilson, Payne, Tyler and Maci Spears and his brother Bill Phillips along with several nieces and nephews who loved and adored him.  

Along with his parents, and his brother/best friend Mike, Jim was preceded in death by his former wife Wilma Phillips and a bonus daughter Jackie James.   

We have no doubt there was a glorious reunion with all his family and his best friends in Heaven.  

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Hatcher and Saddler Funeral Home with burial at the Hiseville Cemetery where Glasgow Chapter 20 DAV will provide military honors.  Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday and from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Tuesday and from 9:00 am Wednesday until time for service at the funeral home.  Alternate expressions of sympathy are requested to be in the form of donations to Hiseville Volunteer Fire Department.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.