James R. Phillips

James R. Phillips, 91, of Napoleon, Ohio died Saturday, July 16, 2016 at St. Vincent's Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio. He was born May 27, 1925 in Fulton County, Ohio to the late Arthur and Mary Ann (Riddle) Phillips. On February 10, 1946 he married Mary Catherine Snyder and she preceded him in death on June 14, 2000. Jim was a lifetime farmer and dairyman. He loved the land, nature, flowers and bird watching. He enjoyed visiting with people and learning about others. He never met a stranger, loved political discussions, telling good stories and plenty of jokes. He enjoyed wintering in Florida, reading historical nonfiction, family chicken BBQ's, golfing and Sunday drives to view crops. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Napoleon; Co-Op Farm Bureau; Masonic Lodge 518, Liberty Center; Napoleon Elks 929, the Moose Lodges in Napoleon and Venice, Florida; Dairy Service Unit and Son's of American Legion Post 300, Napoleon. He served on the Liberty Center Schools Board of Education; the Henry County Soil & Water Conservation District Board and Regional Board. Jim is survived by his daughters, Susan (Tim) Hallett, Wauseon, Ohio; Ruthann (Robert O.) Cordes, Napoleon; Mary Ellen (Tom) Hefflinger, Napoleon, Ohio; Laura (Mark) Hill, Napoleon; loving fiancé, Lenora Roddy, Napoleon; 9 grandchildren, Michael (Amy) Morr; Mark (Melynda) Morr; Chad Cordes; Josh (Jill) Cordes; Matt Cordes; Nathan (Kaitlin Rohrs) Cordes; Scott (Kate) Hefflinger; Andrea (Derek) Francis; Jenna (Kyle) Leatherman; and 12 great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Margery Kress. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon with Pastor Chad Roper officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, Napoleon. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home and from 9-10 a.m., Wednesday prior to the services. Memorials are suggested to Liberty Center Schools Fine Arts Department, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Liberty Center United Methodist Church or Donor's Choice. www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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James R. Phillips

May 27, 1925 - July 16, 2016