PHILLIPS, JIM BELDEN

Jim Belden Phillips, 70, passed away on April 29, 2013 after ten years battling cancer. During his crusade against cancer, Jim would travel around the country to experience different types of treatment to subject himself not only to possible drugs that may not only help himself but other sufferers. He also spent time at Gilda's Club. Jim was born February 1, 1943 and grew up in the Kalamazoo area as the son of James, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother, Florence Phillips, of Kalamazoo, MI. and many relatives in the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo area with which he spent several joyful family occasions and holiday events. Jim attended Milwood Junior High School and Kalamazoo Central High School from 1956 to 1961 where he was an intricate part of the high school's tennis teams as an outstanding doubles player. After high school, Jim attended Western Michigan University and majored in the Paper Tech Program. Part of Jim's college progress was interrupted by the two years he contributed to the service of his country as an Army lead mechanic for the helicopter division. A position that carried enormous responsibility. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Jim completed his degree at Western and went to work at Exxon in New York City. While there Jim helped coach the Exxon Women's Softball team leading them to the Championship of New York City resulting in an article and a picture in the New York Times. Jim also proved to be one of the better bowlers in the company winter bowling league. After four years in NYC, Jim moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. where he went to work for the Foremost Insurance Company, After three years, Jim left Foremost for a new position at Meijer where he retired. While at Meijer Jim joined the Business Forms Association, ultimately ascending to the chapter Vice Presidency. For nearly 40 years Jim's life flourished as he played softball, golf and hours of tennis. During his tennis career he won over 20 tournaments. A special time for him would be chatting for hours while trading jokes, drinking a "pop" and munching popcorn with his many friends. Jims passion was attending antique fairs and older libraries especially his favorite one in Richland, Michigan which he held close to his family history. Since his family grew up around Richland he frequently donated older items for display that he thought others would enjoy. Recently Jim attended his high school 50th reunion where he reconnected with many of his life long friends. One of Jim's other interest was cats and he almost always had at least two around his home. Without his allergies he probably would have harnessed another dozen or so to live with him. Jim became an avid reader. He would read 25 books a year. Most of them historical in nature. A very special quote Jim gave when his trips outside the home became more infrequent was "My goal daily is to make everyone I interact with laugh at least once." A memorial service was held for Jim in May, 2013 at Mt Everest Cemetery in Kalamazoo. Those wishing to may make a donation in Jim's name to the Richland Public Library, Richland, Michigan.