James LeRoy Phillips, 75, Peculiar, MO, died Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Research Belton Hospital in Belton, MO. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at the Atkinson Chapel in Harrisonville, MO. Burial will be Cleveland Cemetery, Cleveland, MO. Friends may call 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 14 at the chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), P.O. Box 78960, Phoenix, AZ 85062-8960.

James was born August 31, 1933 in Mount Holly, NJ, the son of James E. and Beatrice (Goldey) Phillips.

James was a U. S. Air Force Veteran. He had worked as a plumber for Tip top Plumbing, J & J Plumbing and AMI Plumbing and was a member of the Plumbers 8 Union. He was a master of all trades. He restored his 1973 Ford Torino and tinkered with all kinds of tractors. He enjoyed fishing, camping and fixing and creating things. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and especially with his grandson, Tommy, who had muscular dystrophy. He made many inventions to help him.

James was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mary Jane who died March 4, 1999. He is survived by his children, Kennard F. Powell, Two Rivers, WI, Herbert W. Powell, Greenville, TX, David P. Powell, Adrian, MO, James L. Powell, Peculiar, MO, Laura J. Crigger and Deanna L. Powell, both of Peculiar, MO and Jimmy, Debbie and Winkie; one brother, Butch Phillips and his wife, Linda; three sisters, Pat, Deanna and Beatrice; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews other family and friends.