Jamie Phillips
Jamie John Phillips, 78, went peacefully to his eternal home surrounded by family on February 3, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, from complications due to Parkinson’s.
Jim was born April 28, 1945, in Wausau, to the late Florence (Maldonis) and John Phillips. On May 13, 1967, he married Lynn Baumann in Marathon.
Jim was a very hard worker and his daughters and grandchildren learned from that work ethic. He built his own home, which he lived in for over 50 years, and helped with each of his daughter’s homes, adding his carpentry skills and knowledge.
Jim worked part-time at Deininger’s Citgo Station in Marathon for many years while also working full-time at HammerBlow Corp. in Wausau. When HammerBlow closed down, he went to work at Cequent Manufacturing in Mosinee, until his retirement.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Rib Falls, from the time he was married until Zion merged with St. Matthew’s, Marathon, in 2021 when he became a member there. He served as church council president, and on many other committees at Zion.
Jim enjoyed a good game of sheepshead with whoever was willing to play, going on motorcycle rides with Lynn, a round of golf on a nice summer day, a good meal with at least a few desserts, grilling the best brat or hamburger, working in his huge garden, keeping the perfect lawn, or relaxing with a good movie. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and all his grandkids. The grandkids enjoyed listening to Grandpa’s stories of his younger days, having Grandpa push them on the swings in the backyard or enjoying time with him in the sandbox, which he made for them to have at their own houses.
Jim made it a point to attend all of his daughter’s school activities, like sports or band/choir concerts to cheer them on, continuing to do so when the grandchildren started school. He did this up until his health made it difficult to get him there, but always was happy to hear about all of their accomplishments and adventures.
Jim taught his girls how to swim, play ping pong, drive a stick shift, and ice-skate. He was also always the driver. He drove them to all their activities, starting with baton competitions for Heather, when she was three years old, up to pulling the huge horse trailer for horse shows, when the girls were in their early teens. He was always the driver on road trips, even when his daughters had their licenses. Jim enjoyed a nice vacation, whether by plane, car or motorcycle, visiting places such as Hawaii, Las Vegas, Yellowstone and many more.
Jim is survived by his wife, Lynn, of 56 years; two daughters: Heather (Jeff) Laabs of Merrill and Heidi (Russell) Hornung of Marathon; grandchildren: Tanner, Trinity and Treyten Hornung and Halle Laabs. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law: Henry (Peggy) Baumann, Robert Baumann, Paul “Jerry” Bohnert and Chuck Howe; five nieces and one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his two sisters: Alice Bohnert and Salli Howe.
Private services will be held. Peterson/Kramer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4 Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Paid obituary 148405
