James Arthur Phillips

James Arthur Phillips, 68, of Boise, passed away while waking up on the morning of May 7, 2015 at his home in Boise. He was born on October 17, 1946 in American Falls, Idaho, the son on James Lewis and Ramona Higgins Phillips. Jim graduated from American Falls High School Class of 1965. After high school he went on to attend Barber College and worked a short time as a barber. He then worked as a heavy equipment operator for the J.R. Simplot Company until an industrial accident in 1973. Following that we worked as a cook and managed restaurants in Salmon and Mackay, and as a janitor for the Pocatello School District. In 1984 he enrolled at Idaho State University and studied to become a Computer Programmer. After his graduation in 1986, he went on to work as a Computer Systems Analyst for the Idaho State Department of Health and Welfare, and the Idaho State Department of Unemployment, retiring in 2012. In 1973, he married the love of his life, Linda Parke in Elko, Nevada. To this union came one son - Mike, later in 1976 Anthony James Phillips was born. Together they lived in Pocatello, American Falls, Salmon and eventually settled in Boise. Jim took great pride in his son, and grandchildren. He enjoyed playing cards, hunting, traveling and watching Baseball and Football with his family. The last two years of his life he served as a devoted caregiver to his wife Linda through her illness with kidney failure. Even though he might have been overwhelmed with her care, he selflessly devoted himself to her to care the best he could. After Linda passed away he lost his zest for life. He felt he had completed his life's journey when she passed away, and even though he and the family had plans for the future, the Lord chose to take him shortly but quickly after waking up on May 7. We will all miss him. Surviving are his sons - Tony (Charity) Phillips of Boise, Mike (Catherine) Parke of Twin Falls, grandchildren - Elizabeth Jean Anne Parke of Twin Falls, and Sebastian Landon James Phillips of Boise, brother - Dwight Phillips of Beaverton, Oregon and sister - Debbie Phillips of Beaverton, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his wife Linda, his parents James and Ramona Phillips. He be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd. in Twin Falls on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. Those who wish may share memories and condolences on his memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.