James Davison Philips

James Jim Davison Philips, Jr., 68, passed away suddenly in Highlands, NC on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, he was the son of Katherine Wright Philips of Black Mountain, NC and the late Dr. James Davison Philips, Sr.

Jim married the beautiful Donna Cowley of Augusta, GA on December 28, 1968 and had three wonderful daughters with her, all of whom were the light of his eyes. He was a long-time resident of Decatur, Georgia and Highlands, North Carolina. Jim was a graduate of Decatur High School Class of 1965. He received his Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Georgia in 1969 and played for the Bulldogs his freshman and sophomore years until a knee injury sidelined him. Jim had a long and successful career in real estate asset management and was most recently co-founder and partner in Hatfield-Philips from 1988 until his retirement in 2002.

Jim Philips was determined to leave the world a better place and did so. He was involved in numerous charities and community organizations during his lifetime including Rotary International with a focus on polio eradication, Agnes Scott College, Columbia Theological Seminary, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, and Decatur Downtown Development Authority. He was a community leader and philanthropist and took great pride in the grits that he cooked for the homeless on Sundays at church for many years. Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta and affiliated with First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, North Carolina and Mercer Island Presbyterian Church in Washington.

Jim had an enthusiasm for life that those who knew him best found sometimes exhausting but ultimately inspiring. He was a mentor, confidant, and sounding board to many. There was no question that Jim was a true man's man, but that doesn't begin to capture the solid rock upon which his foundation was built. He loved his church and his God. He loved his country, his friends, and the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Despite once nearly burning the house down because of the improper assembly of a new grill, Jim loved to cook and was darn good at it. His BBQ recipe was coveted by many but fiercely guarded. He was an avid reader and tirelessly curious learner. He had a special affinity for Winston Churchill and reveled in many of the quotes, such as when the Prime Minister disparaged a political rival as someone who has all of the virtues I despise and none of the vices I admire. Jim had many passions including working out, sailing, great food, travel, history, and art. He was a recognized connoisseur of fine wine, serving with distinction as the Grand Senechal of the Atlanta Chapter of the Confrerie des Chevalier du Tastevin from 2001 - 2007. But above all, Jim Philips loved his family.

Jim is survived by his spouse, Donna Cowley Philips; his daughters, Jeanette Philips, Anna Moore, and Kate Philips; his grandchildren, Olivia Moore, Henry Moore, Jack Zombron, and Lucas Zombron; his mother, Katherine Wright Philips; brother, Graham Gordon Philips; sister, June Philips Peel; and sons-in-law Matthew Moore and Jason Zombron.

In the words of the late great Jim Philips, That's just about gonna do it for me. You've been great!

The Celebration of Life for Jim will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta at 1328 Peachtree Street at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 17, 2015. Kilts are definitely welcome!

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice House Foundation of Western North Carolina, Inc; For the Chapel, PO Box 815 Franklin, NC 28744
www.hhfwnc.org http://www.hhfwnc.org and/or MANNA Food Bank, Packs for Kids c/o MANNA FoodBank, 627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville, NC 28805,
www.mannafoodbank.org http://www.mannafoodbank.org



Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033