James Eugene Phillips

March 14, 1936 - January 31, 2021

James E. Phillips, 84, of Early, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, January 31, 2021.  Our beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather, James E. (“Jimmy”) Phillips was born in 1936 in Brown County, Texas, to James W. and Valera Phillips. Jimmy was the descendant of early Brown County pioneers.  He graduated from May High School and attended Texas Tech University before graduating from Hardin-Simmons University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He met his sweetheart Nell at a patio dance in Winters, Texas. Despite having two left feet, he swept her off of hers. After two and a half years of dating they married – a marriage that lasted until his passing sixty-two years later. They were blessed with one son, Jim.  Jimmy followed a business opportunity to Southern Colorado and established his own accounting practice in Monte Vista which he successfully operated until his retirement forty-four years later. He was beloved by his clients (many of whom became his friends). He was known for his humility, knowledge, and easygoing nature. His son Jim joined his Dad’s practice in 1987 and worked alongside him for twenty-one years.  In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting and horseback riding in the Rocky Mountains. He was an avid fisherman who traveled to find the best catch. At home he enjoyed watching westerns. Jimmy had a routine that he started in Colorado and that kept him active through retirement. For over fifty years he met with friends for coffee and conversation. He enjoyed the camaraderie. Jimmy treasured time spent with family most of all.  He will be remembered as a loving and generous family man. Jimmy went above and beyond to care for his family and make sure they were well provided for. We will remember his quick wit, sense of humor, and old-timey colloquialisms. We will remember his quiet strength and his big hugs. He is our hero.  He is survived by his wife Nell; his only child Jim and his wife Sherry; his grandchildren Shauna and her husband Mike, Josh and his wife Ebony; his great-grandchildren Eloy, Joaquin, Madysun, Elizabeth, and Sophia; and one sister Annette.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Valera Phillips, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Aaron and Charlie Mae Wells.  Cremation was chosen and there will be a private family gathering. A memorial is being planned for a later date.  Online condolences may be sent to www.heartlandfuneralhome.net  A special thank you to the doctors and nurses of the ICU unit at Hendricks Medical Center in Brownwood for their kindness and personal care.     We will see you further on up the road.