James Cecil Phillps Jr.

May 28, 1928 - May 4, 2018

James Cecil Phillips, Jr., 89, of Martha, Kentucky, slipped away from his earthly body on the morning of Friday, May 4, 2018, at Community Hospice in Ashland. He was born May 28, 1928, in Lawrence County, Kentucky. His parents were the late James Cecil Phillips, Sr. and Anna Mae Ferguson Phillips. Two brothers, Hobert and Herbert, and one sister Charolene, also preceded him in death. His beautiful and loving bride of 67 years, Lola Stephens Phillips, passed away in February. James was saved during a revival at Cains Creek Freewill Baptist Church and then baptized. He was a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and church bus driver. James will be deeply missed by four daughters: Sandra (Lester) Wilson of Ashland, KY, Vickie (Johnny) Pelfrey of Lancaster, OH, Sharie Phillips of Martha, KY, and Angela (Willis) Ferguson of Louisa, KY, as well as six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Two sisters, Carol (Jack) Lewis of Martha, KY and Mary (Roger) Skaggs of Isonville, KY, also survive along with many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends who will also mourn his passing. Born in 1928, the year before the Great Depression began, James saw a lot of hard times and challenges in his 89 years. He took on man-size responsibility as a very young boy. Because of a labor shortage during WWII, a 14 year old James went to work driving a dump truck and running a bulldozer. He was proud of his lifetime of hard work with a resume that included working in the oil fields and in a sawmill, driving a bus, running a service station, farming, owning an antique and yarn shop, and construction. He enlisted in the Air Force, but he was medically discharged not long into his service due to lung issues. He could do anything including restoring and building furniture, electrical, plumbing, and construction. In addition to being a superintendent for several large bridge projects, James restored a two-story cabin with fireplaces for his brother-in-law after the cabin was relocated. With his wife's help, James built a beautiful addition to the home they shared to make it a comfortable place for them and future generations. He later remodeled the kitchen with cabinets he built. At age 80, he remodeled the bathroom. When dementia started taking over, he still pushed to do projects because he loved to work. Even at the nursing home, he "worked"....some days, he milked their cows. Others, he oversaw their paperwork and handled security. Then, there were days in his mind that the nursing home became a flea market. He visited the other "booths" and once even traded for a pair of too big comfortable shoes. James was amazed by advances in cars and technology. He loved following politics and also enjoyed horses, setting up at flea markets, and woodworking. Flea markets, auctions, and Lowes were a few of his favorite places. He also liked shortcuts via backroads that usually took longer, but made better memories. James could cook. "Brown gritty gravy," salmon patties, and homemade French fries were his specialties. He could also sew. Really, there seemed to be no limit to James' skills, smarts, or problem solving abilities. James faced challenges, battling injuries and illnesses, but he kept a sense of humor. He will be missed deeply, but a legacy of love and kindness will guide his family. The family wishes to thank the staff at Elliott County Nursing and Rehabilitation in Sandy Hook, KY and the staff at Community Hospice in Ashland, KY for the amazing care he received. The love and kindness shown to him and his family is deeply appreciated. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 08, 2018 at the Waddell & Whitt Funeral Chapel with Bro. Gary Sparks officiating. Burial will follow in the Stephens Cemetery on Caine’s Creek. Friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. Tuesday until the Service hour at the funeral home.