James Winfield “Jimmy” Nash Phillips, 80, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026 at his residence. He was born in Haleyville, AL to Roy and Mozelle Nash but was later adopted by Hoyt and Lorena Phillips. Jimmy graduated from Iuka High School in 1964 and then from Mississippi State University in 1969 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He was a contracted chemical engineer all around the world until 1987 when he became employed by the State of Alabama working for Alabama Department of Environmental Management. He married Merrilee “Susie” Sanderson in August of 1966. They were married for 54 years before her passing in 2020. He retired in 2006 and moved back to the family farm in Dennis. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
Graveside services will be Wednesday, May 27, 4:30 p.m. at Tishomingo City Cemetery with Bro. Steven Hodgin officiating. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his son, James Roy “Bud” Phillips (Candace); daughter, Jenny Elizabeth Dees (Leon); eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Brenda Sue Cain and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; son, William Hoyt “Bill” Phillips; brother, Harold Roy Nash and sisters, Mary Joyce Long and Nancy Ray Clark.
Pallbearers will be Randy “Bobo” Parker, Kellen Horn and Jon Major Earnest.
