James J. Phillips

Mr. James Phillips, age 81, of Great Valley, NY, formerly of Salamanca, NY died Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Buffalo Hospice, Buffalo, NY following a long illness.

Born July 3, 1936 in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late Edward and Lillian Schwab Phillips. He was married on August 21, 1971 to the former Joann Frank Phillips, who predeceased him on July 18, 2015.

Mr. Phillips was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Germany.

He had been employed as an Electrician in Allegany State Park for over 15 years, retiring in 2000. Previously, he had worked on the Erie Lackawanna Railroad as a Signalman for over 20 years.

Mr. Phillips was a member of the former St. Patrick’s Church, the former Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1002, and the Holy Cross Athletic Club. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He performed taxidermy services out of his home. He also enjoyed coaching hockey for the Salamanca Merchants and was referred to as “Bum Phillips”.

Surviving are: two sons, Steven Phillips, Salamanca, NY, Dale (Michelle) Phillips, Cheektowaga, NY; a stepdaughter, Debora (Merritt) Letson, Salamanca, NY; a stepson, Jeffrey (Brenda) Rzucek, Canada; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a son, Leslie Phillips, two stepsons, Joseph Rzucek and Lawrence Zbink.

There will be no visitation.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, N.Y. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 12 p.m. noon with full military services conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.