James Phillips

James P. "Rusty" Phillips, son of Barney and Florence (Foreman) Phillips, was born on Jan. 18,1927 in Chance, Okla. and departed this life on March 9,2017 at Stilwell, Okla. at the age of 90 years, 1 month and 18 days.

When his health permitted, he attended First Baptist Church in Watts and was a member of American Legion Post #29 in Siloam Springs, Ark for many years. James played guitar and formed a band called the O & A Boys during the 50's and continued playing until 2011. He raced go carts for 5 years in the late 50's and early 60's in Muskogee and Tulsa. J.P. and Beatrice loved to travel and did so throughout the country, He was an avid quail hunter and enjoyed fishing and spelunking.

Rusty had attended Westville high school but had dropped out in the 10th grade to join the United States Army and fought in the Pacific Theater in WWII. 40 years later Rusty received his diploma which was presented to him in a special ceremony on Veterans Day at Westville High School.

Rusty spent two years, four months and nine days in the Pacific, assigned to landing craft and as a combat engineer and made amphibious assault landings in the battles for Okinawa and Korea.
Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lily Beatrice (Chance), one brother, G.W. Phillips and one sister Lorena.
He leaves to mourn his passing: daughters, Anita Jo and husband Joe Bonaparte of Chance, OK; Cecelin Fowler of the home; a sister Linda Joyce Trumbla of Watts, OK; Bill Waldroop of Watts, grandchildren: Joseph Chance and wife, Robin Bonaparte of Siloam Springs, AR; Joshua Bonaparte of Chance, OK; Erica Jo Bonaparte and fianc&egrave Jeff Martindale of Sallisaw, OK; McKenzie Fowler and Sarah Fowler of Watts, OK.; a great- grandson, Jacob Arthur Martindale of Sallisaw, OK.

Funeral services were held at 1 pm on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at Roberts & Hart Chapel, Westville, OK with Bro. Jim Beavers officiating. Interment followed at Phillips Cemetery, Westville, OK.

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