Phillip Wayne James Jr was born to Beverly and Phillip Wayne James Sr. on December 11th, 1971. He died unexpectedly November 14th, 2021, age 49. He is survived by his parents; his step mother Linda James; his three sisters Olivia, Theresa, and Andrea; one brother, Mike; nephews Stefan, Devon, Kyle, and Asher; and his beloved daughter Kaitlyn.
Phillip (Joe) James was a talented artist, who enjoyed drawing his versions of popular cartoon characters such as garfield, scooby doo, snoopy, the Grateful Dead’s Dancing Bears, as well as his own original designs and creations. Because of Kaitlyn’s love of monkeys, he had spent months decorating and painting her room with the furry primates just to make her happy.
Phil wasn’t an easy man to get to know, and he was even harder to forget. He had an unique sense of humor where he wasn’t afraid to make fun of himself or others. He knew how to see the humor in the darkest of times, and thrived on making Kaitlyn laugh. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for his baby girl, as his greatest joy in life was making her smile. They went on many adventures from mini golf, to ball games, to concerts, and everything in between. He truly enjoyed experiencing the best of life’s adventures with her.
Phil was an extremely strong person; overcoming addiction, gaining his GED, and working with the medically disabled. He had a goal to enter into artistic therapy, to help others express themselves. Due to developing heart and lung issues, he was unable to continue with his pursuit.
Phil struggled with his ailments for years until he was unable to go on. His spirit was willing, but his body wasn’t able to continue the fight. His memory lives on in his daughter’s smile, his amazing artwork, and the lives he touched.
His visitation will be Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center 8941 Kleinman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN, 46322 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Any monetary donations please be made out to Kaitlyn A. James, so that she may continue to make her father proud by continuing her education in pediatric nursing.
https://gofund.me/4af378bc
For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com
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