James R. Phillips 1937-2026

Jim found joy in the simple moments that meant the most: his family, laughter and the companionship of cherished relatives and friends.

Jim was born Nov. 26, 1937, in Hubbard, and a son of Frank F. and Catherine Stopnick Phillips. He was a 1956 graduate of Hubbard High School.

He was a man defined by kindness, quiet strength and unwavering devotion to his family. A wonderful husband, father and grandfather, Jim built a life rooted in love, laughter and service to others. For 60 beautiful years, he shared a marriage filled with joy, loyalty and a special kind of love that never faded. Their playful banter and shared laughter were a constant source of happiness to all who knew them. We take comfort in knowing they are together again, dancing side by side.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army as part of an engineer battalion, dedicating four years of his life in service to something greater than himself. Following his time in the military, he spent 40 years as a skilled carpenter with the local carpenter union, building not only structures but also a legacy of hard work and integrity. He proudly pointed out the hundreds of commercial buildings and residences that he built throughout the years. If it was broke, Jim found a way to fix it.

He retired in 2000 and was blessed to enjoy more than 25 years of a well-earned retirement.

Jim found immense joy in the simple things, especially tending to his garden. Each summer, his backyard flourished with vegetables of all kinds, generously shared with friends, neighbors and family. Nothing brought him more pride than his family. He cherished the time spent with his five grandchildren, attending their games or events, always cheering them on with a full heart and a proud smile. He was a faithful man of God and loved his church, St. Patrick’s of Hubbard. He and my mother could be found in the same section each week at 4 p.m. Mass, followed by dinner out somewhere. His strong belief in the Lord carried him through life with grace and gave him peace in knowing that the best was yet to come. We remember the love and respect he showed to his wife and daughters. His voice never raised and always made sure we had whatever we needed even in the lean years. Jim enjoyed the family trips to NYC, the Hamptons, Florida and many bus trips. A lifelong resident of Hubbard, Jim loved his community. He and my mother spent countless hours on the front porch, with Shirley leading the conversations with the latest Hubbard news and waiting for the regulars to ride by and wave hello.

His wife, the former Shirley Ann Hatagan, whom he married Sept. 26, 1964, passed away Jan. 17, 2025.

He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his daughters, Lisa (Michael) Cerrato of Columbus and Karen (Brian) DelSignore of Poland; and five grandchildren, Brienna Cerrato (Aaron Mickens) of Columbus, Jordan (Genesis) Cerrato of Houston, Texas, Kamerin Cerrato of Miami, Florida, Blake DelSignore of Columbus and Alec DelSignore of Columbus; and a great-grandson, Enzo James Cerrato Mickens.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael T. Phillips, and sisters, Rita Hetson and Anne Marie Radanovic.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Tuesday June 30, 2026, at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, with the Very Reverend Michael D. Balash officiating. Prior to Mass, there will be calling hours 9 to 10:15 a.m. at Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home.

James will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown, with his wife, Shirley Phillips.

Memorial donations can be made to Southern Care Hospice, whose staff provided caring and compassionate support. We also thank Chris Bouchillon, his hospice nurse, for his unwavering support, as well as Dr. Slemons and his office for their care throughout the years. The family is grateful for Donna and Bill Mehalco and Paula Crea, who provided years of support to Jim with frequent visits, help with yard work and home-cooked meals.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to visit www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences.

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