James Phillips

BENTON, Ill. -- James "Gib" Phillips, 81, of Benton passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at Stonebridge Nursing Home in Benton.

He was born Oct. 14, 1931, in Benton, the only child of Erne and Sybel Robertson Phillips. He and Bettye Lou Loften were married June 29, 1957, in Benton.

Gib was a 1949 graduate of Benton High School and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

He later served his country proudly in the United States Air Force four years.

Gib was a member of the heralded Air Force Marching Band and performed in the 1953 Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Gib began a career in sales for Amoco Oil Co., where he spent his entire professional career. After 36 years with Amoco, he retired in 1992 as field sales manager with the St. Louis metropolitan territory and moved back to Benton for the duration of his retirement. His sales skills, devotion to his company and energetic leadership helped him to achieve numerous recognitions over the course of his employment with Amoco.

Gib's greatest passion in life was his music. A talented musician from a very early age, he mastered both the clarinet and saxophone. He loved playing to an audience whether in public or at home with family and friends. During his time of residence in Cape Girardeau he was a member of the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band 12 years. He also performed regularly during church services at First Christian Church in Benton during his retirement years.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather whose easygoing nature, love of family and passion for service endeared him to all who knew him. His greatest pride was his daughter, Jamie, and three grandchildren, Meredith, Monica and Vance.

Community service played an important role in Gib's life both before and after retirement. In addition to the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band, Gib was a member of First Christian Church in Cape Girardeau, where he served as an elder many years. Later, as a resident of St. Louis, he was a member of the Greater St. Louis Oil Men's Club. In retirement Gib gave back unselfishly to the Benton community, serving as a member of the Park Board, Tourism Board, Lions Club, Southern Illinois Municipal Band and president of the Rotary Club and elder and choir member at First Christian Church in Benton.

Loving survivors include his wife of 56 years, Bettye Lou; their daughter, Jamie (Adrian) Toole of Cape Girardeau; and three grandchildren, Meredith Toole of Washington, D.C., Monica Toole of Louisville, Ky., and Vance Toole of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at First Christian Church in Benton.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, with the Rev. Bill A. Carter officiating. Burial will be in Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton, with military rites conducted by Benton American Legion and VFW posts and National Guard Honor Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of Benton Building Fund or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is handling arrangements.