Obituary of James Robert Phillips

James Robert Phillips, 59 of Minneapolis, died peacefully at home on August 8, 2024, with his beloved wife Joanie (Miskowiec), sister Karen (Bassett), and dog Sunny by his side following a 17-year, hard-fought, courageous challenge with an astrocytoma brain tumor.

Born April 11, 1965, and raised in Michigan, Jim moved to Minnesota in 2011 to marry the love of his life. Together Joanie and Jim built a wonderful life together as they traveled the world, cheered on their favorite sports teams, attended rock concerts, generously supported scores of worthwhile causes, hosted many special occasions, and surrounded themselves with loving friends and family.

Having first worked in the banking business, Jim returned to college to earn a master’s degree in social work and began a second career as a school social worker. Since 2011, he served the students at Faribault High School where he was greatly admired and appreciated by fellow colleagues and students alike.

Jim will long be remembered for his wicked sense of humor, his sense of fun and adventure, but most of all, for his generous, loving kindness to all.

He is preceded in death by his father Robert, brother Michael (Sheree), and nephew Steven. In addition to Joanie, Karen (E.J.), and Sunny, Jim is survived by mother Eva, brother Scott (Marcia), and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and good friends who loved and adored him.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Nicollet Island Pavilion on Sunday, September 22. The event will start at 11am with memories shared at noon. A luncheon will follow.

40 Power Street

Minneapolis, MN 55401

(Note: The Vikings play at noon so traffic may be challenging)

Memorials for Jim may be sent to No Dog Left Behind, Special Olympics, or St. Jude Medical Children’s Hospital.