Jim Phillips spent most of his adult life as the Scout Executive of the Tumwater Area Council and as a local scout leader.  Camp Thunderbird’s 1960-70’s upgrades were completed as part of Jim’s vision and through his leadership. Now those 50-year-old facilities need to be remodeled.  Jim, who was 90, helped guide and direct our efforts, as only he could, even from his hospital bed. We had already agreed with Jim and his family to name the new “Parade Grounds/Gathering Place outside the new Dining Hall---the Jim Phillips Flag Pavilion” to honor his long legacy at Camp Thunderbird.  Jim died on January 30th, shortly after helping suggest ways to obtain major gifts to support the Camp Thunderbird project. We have set a goal of raising $300,000 to support the Camp Thunderbird upgrade in Jim’s honor and legacy.  The funds will be used to construct the Flag Pavilion near the new Dining Hall.  Any funds generated more than the Pavilion cost will help fund the new Dining Hall.

 
Donation In Memory of James A. Phillip Jr.
Package Name Amount Quantity Subtotal
Legacy Gift $100 $0.00
Legacy Gift $250 $0.00
Legacy Gift $500 $0.00
Legacy Gift $1000 $0.00
Legacy Gift $2000 $0.00
Legacy Gift $5000 $0.00

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James A. “Jim” Phillips Jr. passed away January 30, 2024, in Lacey, Washington.  He was born July 6, 1933, to James and Emma Phillips in San Pedro, California. 

 

Jim graduated from Lincoln High School 1953 in Tacoma, Washington, and earned a BA in Business from Pacific Lutheran University (1959).  He served in the U.S. Navy, and married Ruth B. Sather on June 16, 1956, in Lacrosse, Washington. Professionally, he worked for the Boy Scouts of America (1959-1994) and Lewis County Public Health Department (1994-2000).  He was a founding board member of Pope’s Kids Place/Pope’s Place in Centralia, Washington, and a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

 

Jim loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He also developed very special relationships with friends and peers throughout the area.  He had a passion for helping children through Boy Scouts and Pope’s Place, loved the outdoors, and had a knack of finding underground water pipes with a backhoe!

 

Jim is survived by sons, Greg (Edie) of Monroe, Washington, Gary (Alliea) of Lacey, and Gordon (Adel) of Olympia; daughters, Janice Cherin of Seattle, and Jolene (Kurt) of Lacey; grandchildren, Anderew (Vanessa), Derek, and Tyler Cherin, Erik (Anna), Bryan (Lee), and Jeff (Mandy) Stiles,  Sean and Andy Phillips, Jacey and Dan Phillips; and four great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Caleb, Cooper Cherin and Holly Stiles. He is also survived by sisters, Barbara Lentz of Tri-Cities, Washington, and Suzie Mutch of Pullman, Washington; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Emma; wife, Ruth; brother, Richard; sisters, Roberta (Bobbie) and Margaret (Margie); and son-in-law, Greg Cherin.

 

Services will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1601 North St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501.