James William “Bill” Phillips

James William “Bill” Phillips, 74, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Nevada Regional Medical Center, in Nevada. Bill was born Aug. 15, 1948, in Prescott, Kan., to Melvin L. and Mary J. (Self) Phillips. He married Carol Cording and to this union two children were born. He later married Susan Richards on Oct. 24, 1997, and she preceded him in death in 2014.

Bill was raised in the Prescott, Kan., area and graduated from Prescott High School with the Class of 1966. Following high school, he lived in Fort Scott for a time before moving to Nevada. Bill served in the National Guard for 12 years in Kansas and Missouri.

In 1974, Bill began working at Guthrie Motors and later Yockey Motors. In 1985, he began operating Phillips Auto Sales rebuilding wrecked cars, and in 1998 he opened Phillips Towing Service which he operated for nearly 25 years. He enjoyed going to car auctions in Branson, Mo., traveling, and racing at Nevada Speedway for whom he also provided wrecker service. He was a member and past vice president of the Compton Juction Fire Department.

Bill also enjoyed his early morning coffee and met regularly with his group of friends at Burger King.

Survivors include two children, Ilene Lanham (Shan), Nevada, Mo., and Eric Phillips (Anna), Nevada, Mo.; three grandchildren, Briannah Lanham, Conner Lanham, and Grevyn Phillips; one brother, Marion Phillips (Juanita), Fort Scott, Kan.; and a niece, Tiffany Fisher, Seabrook, N.H. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Andrew Phillips; and his wife, Susan Phillips.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 14, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, with Pastor Robert Titus officiating. Interment will follow in Prescott Cemetery in Prescott, Kan. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested in his name to the Compton Juction Fire Department in care of Ferry Funeral Home.