JAMES WALTER PHILLIPS, of Crown Point, passed away peacefully at the age of 69 on April 15, 2016 after a brief battle with prostate cancer. Jim was born in Huntsville, AL to the late Walter "Johnny" and MaryRuth Phillips on August 20, 1946.

Jim served his country honorably in Viet Nam and returned home to earn a BA in English Literature. He was employed with several manufacturing companies and finished his career at IFI in Hammond, retiring in 2014. He enjoyed woodworking, furniture building and car repair (when it was successful). His family joked that he could fix anything given enough time. He also took pleasure in reading and had a lifelong love of learning. His greatest joy was his family. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Bridget, his four adored and adoring children David, Jeffrey, Elizabeth and Sarah Phillips. Jim is also survived by three of his siblings Barbara Lester, Jerry and Joe Phillips.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law Kevin (Debbie) Reich, sister-in-law Janet (Monty) Manatrey, brother-in-law, John Tieron, niece, Karli Reich and nephews Andrew (Aubree) Reich, Shawn and Johnathan Tieron and Jeremy Pence. Jim was also preceded in death by his sister, Jaine Tieron and brother Denny Philips.

Jim was a gentle and generous man who will be missed by all who loved him. God grant him eternal rest.

Services for Jim were private. Rees Funeral Home, Winfield Chapel handling arrangements, (219) 661-2600 or go online to extend condolences at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.