Dr. James E. Phillips passed away Aug. 31 at his home in Franklin.
He was born Nov. 20, 1926, in Summitville. After graduating from Grundy County High School in 1944, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served in Europe. At the completion of military service, he graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., and UT Medical School in Memphis. Following his medical training, Dr. Phillips practiced Family Medicine in McMinnville, from 1955 until 1978. At that time he accepted a position with the Tennessee State Health Department, serving the Upper Cumberland and Middle Tennessee regions until his retirement in 1999. 
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary King Phillips, and five children: John Phillips, Gale Matthys (Don), Jim Phillips (Drenda), Kae Gallagher (Tom), Jack Phillips (Robin), and 13 grandchildren.           
Visitation will be held at High Funeral Home Sunday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. with a service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Franklin or to the Nashville Humane Shelter.
High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) Sept. 2, 2012