James “Jim” Hixon Phelps, 74, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2017 at his home surrounded by family.
He was born on April 2, 1943 in Union Springs, Alabama to the late Clyde Hixon Phelps and Gussie Clark Phelps. James proudly served his country in the Alabama National Guard for six years.
Jim was a member of Shiloh Reformed Church of Faith and retired from IBM where he worked as an engineer. He was a simple man who loved to read about the Civil War and World War II, as well as collect coins. Jim also enjoyed fishing, and he loved to spend time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Jim and his wife were avid Alabama fans who enjoyed attending games when they could. He and his son also enjoyed their time playing softball together on their church softball team.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by a brother, Emory Phelps.
Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vivian Smith Phelps; a daughter, Christy Lynn (Kevin) Thompson, of Rockwell, North Carolina; a son, Jeffrey (Koren) Phelps, of Saint Augustine, Florida; two sisters, Evelyn Dasinger, of Union Springs, Alabama, and Rita (Jim) Reeves, of Montgomery, Alabama; two sister-in-laws, Jan Yount (Maben), and Ann Hopper, both of Decatur, Alabama; three granddaughters, Kaitlyn Thompson, Amanda Moore, and Susan Thompson and fiance’ Charles Dillard; two grandsons, Cody Thompson, and Brandon (Faith) Moore; a great-granddaughter, Keagan Dillard; a great-grandson, Adam Thompson; and numerous nieces and nephews both in North Carolina and Alabama.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday April 26, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to either, Rowan Hospice and Palliative Care (720 Grove St., Salisbury, NC 28144) or Shiloh Reformed Church of Faith (P.O.Box 308, Faith, NC 28041).
Powles Staton Funeral Home of Rockwell and Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery are assisting the Phelps family. Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com and at dignitymemorial.com/roselawn-funeral-home-and-cemetery-decatur/en-us/index.page.
