MSgt James Brian Phipps USAF (Ret), 66, of Abilene passed away Tuesday, October 26, 2021 in Abilene.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the New Beginnings United Pentecostal Church, 5535 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79606.
Jim was born on May 31, 1955 in Port Huron, Michigan to the late John Gerald Phipps and Betty Jean Day Phipps. He served in the US Air Force and retired after 24 years of distinguished service. Jim married the love of his life, Elaine Clinton on July 17, 1982 in Denver, Colorado. He and Elaine enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for 10 years. Jim was a "Jack of All Trades" and enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing with his son and was an avid gun collector and member of the NRA. He had such a big heart and was a loyal friend. Jim was the wonderful husband, father, papa and great papa and will be dearly missed.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Elaine Phipps; son, Bill Phipps; daughters, Ellen Gutierrez, and Amanda Prado; grandchildren, Dusty Fuller, Alexandria Gutierrez, Kameron Prado, Isabella Gutierrez, Jordan Prado and Christian Prado; great grandchildren, Skylar Prado and Carter Lee Garza; brothers, Dave Phipps and wife Colleen, Roger Phipps, Bob Phipps and wife Lou; sister, Nadine Amundson; one of his best friends and adopted brother, Jim Smith; numerous extended family and friends.
Jim was also preceded in death by a grandson, Preston Prado; brother, Mick Phipps.