Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
FAIRFAX - James Morton “Jim” Phillips, born June 2, 1958, passed away at his home in Fairfax, S.C. on August 2, 2024 at age 66. He was a son of the late Jack Adrian and Josephine Armstrong Phillips.
Jim grew up in Fairfax, S.C. and graduated from Allendale-Fairfax High School in 1976 followed by flight school in Florence, S.C. He became the youngest crop duster in the state at age 18. He went on to graduate from the University of South Carolina then attended Air Force flight school in Columbus, MS. This is where he earned his wings, which his mother proudly pinned on his chest. He became certified to fly the C-141 Starlifter in Altus, OK.
After flight school, he was stationed in Charleston, S.C. with the Military Airlift Command where he flew the giant C-141 in the Gulf War, both in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also flew in "Operation Just Cause" - the U.S. invasion of Panama to overthrow Noriega. He flew a number of medevac missions and many special operations as part of the Special Operations Lowlevel (SOL) squadron. When in Charleston on weekends he was able to return to Fairfax to crop dust with his dad’s business, Phillips Crop Dusting.
When Pope John Paul visited the United States in 1987, Jim was honored to have been chosen to pilot the plane carrying the Popemobile throughout the United States.
He continued his service in the Air Force Reserves and retired as a Major after 20+ years of service. Jim finished his flying career as a Federal Express pilot, crop dusting on the side.
After his retirement, Jim moved back to his hometown of Fairfax where he was active in the First Baptist Church singing in the choir and playing drums in the praise band.
Jim is survived by his wife of seven years, Debbie Loadholt Phillips; two children: Jaime Danielle (Jake) Priddy, and Jack Adrian Phillips II, as well as a granddaughter, Danielle Taylor Priddy. He is also survived by two stepchildren: Angel Elizabeth (Joseph) Lagare and Joseph Gregory (Mallory) McCaskey, five step grandchildren and his siblings, Betty Jo Phillips Whitson of Raleigh, N.C., Robert Adrian (Penny) Phillips, Saluda, N.C., and John Alan (Denise) Phillips, North Augusta, S.C. He leaves behind a number of nieces and nephews, as well as grand nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Lonnie Carlton (Butch) Phillips, and brother-in-love, Warren B. Whitson.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Fairfax First Baptist Church with the Reverend James Davis officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Fairfax Cemetery, Inc., Drawer 820, Fairfax, S.C., 29827.
Keith Smith Funeral Service, 128 Water Street, Allendale, is in charge of arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at keithsmithfuneralservice.com.
