James L. Phillips

James L. Phillips, age 81, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away October 6, 2015 at his home. He was born September 26, 1934 in Memphis, TN to the late James D. and Evelyn (Gilmore) Phillips. James was united in marriage on December 31, 1954, to Maureen Hooton in Oundle, England. James was a USAF veteran, stationed at Molesworth R.A.F. Base when they met. They returned to the USA and then traveled extensively in the U.S. and in Germany. James retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service and then became employed with the U.S. Post Office where he also retired with 20 years of service. Upon retirement, they settled in Kalamazoo at 1906 Dorchester, where they lived for 33 years before moving to their current address. Surviving James are, his daughter, Leslie (Kelly) Johnson of Kalamazoo; two grandchildren, Jamie (Ben) Harden and Scott Johnson; brother, Allan Heard (Donna) Phillips; brothers-in-law, Ralph (Pat) Hooton, Peter (Sheila) Hooton, John (Helle) Hooton; sisters-in-law, Audrey Knight, Gwen (Michael) Parker, Jean (Ian) Taylor, Sheila (Malcolm) Wicks, Brenda (Norman) Graves, Janice Newell; and several cousins. Also preceding James in death was a son, Robert J. Phillips. Family will greet friends Sunday, October 11th from 2-5pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3296 S. 9th St., where a funeral service will take place on Monday at 10:00am. Burial at 12:00 will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or to the American Heart Association.