James Paul Phifer, 77, a McMinnville resident and Warren County native, died Nov. 3 at River Park Hospital following a sudden illness.He was a retired employee of DeZurik Corp., member of Westwood Church of Christ, the Warren County Rescue Squad, Board of Meals on Wheels, a TSSAA softball/ baseball referee and umpire, an avid golfer and employee of McMinnville Country Club.He was the son of the late Wiley Paul and Ollie Delma Sparkman Phifer. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Robert and David Phifer; brother-in-law, Morris Ferguson; sister-in-law, Mary Phifer; niece, Kathy Phifer Close; and nephew, Terry Phifer.He was married Jan. 1, 1956 to Kathryn Mason Phifer, who survives. In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and Joe Schimenti of Nashville; two brothers, Harold Phifer and Percy (Carolyn) Phifer of McMinnville; sister, Betty Ferguson of McMinnville; sisters-in-law, Janie Phifer Underwood of the Short Mountain community and Carolyn Hobbs of McMinnville.