Phillips

James “Jim” Westerman Phillips, 74, of Slippery Rock, peacefully passed away Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at Butler Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born May 14, 1949, in Beaver County to John Richard Phillips and Rebecca Mae Harris-Phillips-Tannehill and was raised there during his grade-school years. Later, his family moved to Harmony, where he attended Seneca Valley High School, and he graduated in 1968.

Jim was a lifelong truck driver, he worked for Dale McClymonds Trucking. His CB handle was “Grouch.” He had a very good work ethic and always provided his family with everything they needed.

Jim enjoyed going to car cruises and was a member of Rodfathers Car Club. He spent a lot of time rebuilding his old pickup trucks. If you were ever looking for him, he could be found in his garage working on his vehicle, a friend’s vehicle or a family member’s vehicle. He would work late into the night just to get it done.

He enjoyed watching his old Westerns, “Judge Judy,” or anything that had to do with history. During family discussions he was always offering up some fun-filled facts that he had learned about. Jim had a love for trains that he shared with his children and grandchildren. He loved his dog, Pokey, and looked forward to playing with him and giving him pets. Jim loved getting together with his children and grandchildren for their annual family minibike race.

Jim’s goal in life was that his three kids learn everything from him and from their mother. Through that learning, his children would become better than their parents and have a happy life. He said he succeeded. This was his proudest achievement.

Jim is survived by his companion, Mary Lou Walker; his sister, Muriel Rae Phillips-Havel (Dan) of Ohio; his daughters, Jan (Russell) Phillips-Genaway of West Sunbury, Jodi (Greg) Phillips-Seddon of Cochranton; his son, James Richard (Pina) Phillips; his grandchildren, Anthony, Travis, Rebekah, Kelsey, Kyndra and Winter; his companion’s children: daughter, Tammy (Chris) and son, Gary (Tina); and grandchildren, Josh, Nick, Logan and Emily, and three great-grandchildren; his first wife and mother of his children, Joan (Frank Wiencek) Podvasnik-Phillips-Wiencek; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

James Westerman Phillips was a good man and a loving father with a big heart. He was greatly loved, and he will be deeply missed!

PHILLIPS — Friends of James “Jim” Westerman Phillips, who died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, may call on the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.

There will be a memorial celebration of life service to honor Jim’s life at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at the funeral home. Interment eventually will follow in Sylvania Hills in Beaver.

Interment will eventually follow in Sylvania Hills in Beaver.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.