James "Jim" Donald Phillips

Helena – James D. Phillips “Jim” (age 81) passed away on January 23, 2023 peacefully at home.  Jim’s wife Betsy and daughters Debbie and Stevi were by his side.  This was after a long and heroic battle with cancer, kidney disease and Lewy Body Dementia.

Jim was born on the farm in Lime Springs, Iowa on July 5, 1941 to Lester J. and Myrtle A. (Chamberlain) Phillips. They moved off the farm to Waterloo, Iowa, where Jim spent his early years. At the age of five, Jim’s mother moved Jim and Jim’s older brother Ray to Augusta, Montana to be closer to family. The family then moved to Helena in 1957.

Jim met the love of his life Betsy (Taylor) in May of 1961. Their paths would cross again in June of 1961, at a stock car race. Jim asked if he could drive Betsy home. Little did they know, it was to be the beginning of a beautiful, long and happy life together. Jim and Betsy were married on June 29, 1963, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Helena.  Jim and Betsy have two (2) beautiful daughters, Deborah Joy and Stevi Ann.  Jim loved his daughters with his whole heart. Jim was truly the best ever “Girl Dad”.

Jim first worked at Dahl Larson Motors for a short time.  Then, Jim went to work for Capital/Helena Motors. Jim started out washing cars for Ralph and Carl Anderson. Ralph Anderson (may he rest in peace), saw something in Jim.  Ralph gave Jim the opportunity to move up the ladder one job at a time.  Jim rewarded Ralph’s faith in him when first fulfilled his apprenticeship and then became a journeyman mechanic. Jim was ASE certified and was one “heck” of a transmission mechanic. Jim very proudly belonged to the Machinists union. Jim stayed with the Ford dealership, (formerly known as Helena Motors), through several ownership changes. Jim ultimately retired as a quality assurance technician after 48 years of devoted service.  Jim was also a member of the Gates of the Mountains Boat Club and Pheasants Forever.

All his life, Jim loved working on cars. Jim and his brother Ray, always had a project going of some kind.  Between their cars, kids’ cars and rebuilding wrecked cars and trucks. Jim and Ray fiber-glassed a boat.  Jim even rebuilt a 1954 Mercury that he was so proud of.  Then promptly wrecked it.  That was before Betsy.

The most important thing in Jim's life, no matter what, was his family.  Jim loved spending time with family.  Jim and his family spent many summer weekends camping, boating, water skiing and relaxing at Canyon Ferry and Gates of the Mountains.  Jim was an avid and exceptionally good slalom water skier. Jim also enjoyed big game hunting and fishing.

 Once a year, Jim, Betsy and the girls would embark on a truly family vacation.  Taking them on numerous adventures all over the United States. Traveling to Disneyland, Iowa, Missouri and even Mexico, to name a few.

Jim and Betsy had a 5th wheel trailer and loved to take off and travel all over. Their 2 favorite camping spots were Jumping Creek campground near Neihart, and Holter Lake campground at Wolf Creek. Jim & Betsy spent many weekends at both places with their children and friends.

Jim was an avid Denver Broncos, MSU Bobcats, and Boston Red Sox fan. Win or lose, Jim cheered them on. Jim also loved NASCAR. Jim worked on and drove stock cars until he flew off the south end of the great falls speedway and was injured. That was the end of that. 

Jim loved going to Lincoln. Jim especially loved the Lincoln 4th of July parade.  It is the only parade Jim had been to where floats handed beer and beef jerky to the crowd. Jim truly enjoyed being at Jason and Stevi’s cabin in Lincoln.  Sitting on the deck or under the big pine tree in the backyard having a cold beer.  Jim really liked his Coors Light. You could always depend on him to have a cold one if you stopped by. Jim worked hard, so he could play hard!

Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betsy Phillips, daughters Debbie (Jeff) Ferguson, and Stevi (Jason) Westmoreland, of Great Falls, brother Ray (Noel) Phillips of Helena, grandchildren Brad Miller, of Helena, Danny (Michelle Piprude) Miller, Kelcie (Jordan) Van Voast, of Great Falls, Deryk (Justine) Pearsall of Columbus, MT, great-grandchildren Ellie Van Voast, Renley Van Voast, Leo Pearsall and a new baby Pearsall due 4/24/2023. Nieces Brenda (Rick Lyon) Thomas, of Townsend and her children Kevin (Kim)Thomas, their children Payton and Riley, Travis (Beth) Thomas their children Teighlor, and John of East Helena, and Cheryl (Bill) Luther, of Charlotte, NC. and their children Paige Luther, of Charlotte NC, Brooke Luther, of New York City, NY, as well as cousins Gail (Gary) Anderson of Missoula and Gary Chamberlain.

Jim was preceded in death by his Dad Les Phillips, his Mother Myrtle Phillips, his grandmothers Sadie Chamberlain, and Gram Phillips, uncles Glen (Betty) Chamberlain, Lawrence (Leona) Chamberlain, and their children, nephew John Thomas, brother-in-law Bill Taylor and his dogs Tasha, Sadi and Maci.

At Jim's request, there will be no services. A private family gathering will be held. A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at a later date,

In lieu of flowers, Jim's family requests donations to St. Peter’s Hospice at, St. Peter’s Health Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601, Lewis & Clark humane society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT or Helena Food Share, PO Box 943, Helena, MT 50824-8974 or a charity of your choice.

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