Willard F. "Jim" Phillips

The name Phillips means 'lover of horses' and Jim Phillips was an avid lover of horses. He passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at the age of 77, at his home in rural Polson with his beloved wife and children by his side. Born in his father's farmhouse near Alexandria, NH on December 15, 1931, Jim was sixth of fourteen children. He lived and went to school in various places, sometimes living and working with his uncle in logging camps. In 1947, he traveled west with his aunt and uncle to begin a new life in western South Dakota. While there, he finished his eighth grade education and began working for Ed Scott on his ranch where he made his home with the Scott family for several years. During this time, he also broke Cavalry horses for the US Government. On July 16, 1952, he married Lou Ann Scott at First Baptist Church in Rapid City, SD. Three months later, he was drafted into the US Army. He took his basic training at Ft. Sill, OK and was shipped to Korea in March, 1953. He loved his country and served willingly. While in Korea, he was wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart. When his tour of duty ended, he returned home and went to work for Barber Transportation Co. of Rapid City, SD, where he was employed as a truck driver for 31 years. His son, Ed, was born in 1955 and daughter, Jeanne followed in 1959, They also ranched in the Rapid City area from 1961 until Jim retired in 1985. The family then moved to Montana where he continued to work with horses, breaking colts, horse logging and riding for Big Meadow Grazing Association until September 16, 2008 when he suffered a severe head injury when his horse went over backwards on him. After seven months, he succumbed to those injuries. He is survived by his bride of nearly 57 years, Lou Ann, of the family home: his two children, son, Ed (Trina) of Polson, daughter, Jeanne (roger) Tauck of Ronan. One brother, bud (Jeri) Phillips of Milton Freewater OR: four sisters, Pandora (Marty) Martel of Concord, NH, Ann (Bill) Simpson of Contoocook, NH, Liz (Wes) Westgate of Pembroke, NH and Judy (Milt) Tasker of Concord, NH, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Freeman S. and Cristabel Chamberlain Phillips: brothers Earl, Freeman, and William: sisters, Waneta, Winona, Diane, and two infant siblings. He loved the lord and was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Polson, where a memorial has been established to the youth ministries. Visitation will be held at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson on Wednesday, April 15 from 2-7 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 16, 10:00 am. at the First Baptist Church, Polson, with burial to follow in Ronan Cemetery with military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family or the obituary viewed online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
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