Jimmy Phillippi

Jimmy Earl Phillippi, 95, passed peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his beloved bride of 73 years, Sylvia Howard Phillippi (Parker) and his devoted parents, Wilby Eugene and Sarah Gladys Phillippi (Gentry) of Mountain City.

Jimmy and Sylvia were blessed with three children, Howard E. (Libby) Phillippi, Steve E. (Reina) Phillippi and Linda Lee Phillippi (Victor) Dunn. He was proud to have 7 grandchildren Eric, Daniel, Rebekah, Mary Anne, Mason, Mary Kate, and David. Being an only child Jimmy was thrilled to have 12 great grandchildren. Never far from his thoughts, he had a special place in his heart for 1stt cousins Sam, David, Kathy and Jill who survive him and Judy who proceeded him in death.

Jimmy served during the Korean War in the US Navy earning the rank of Petty Officer, 2nd class. He served aboard ships and in the Military Police. He met his wife on shore leave while attending the Methodist church. After completing his military service Jimmy used the GI bill to attend the University of Tennessee. Go Volunteers! Jimmy graduated with degrees in Agriculture and Horticulture and worked in agriculture his whole life. He did poultry research at NC State University and then ran his own poultry farm. After “retirement” Jimmy and Sylvia moved back to the mountains where he was the business manager and groundskeeper for the Lake Junaluska Golf Course at the Methodist Conference Center.

Jimmy was taught the values of honoring others, kindness and consideration by his parents. Jimmy continued those lesson by being a caring and generous man, helping others all of his life until being overcome by Alzheimer’s Disease.

Funeral Services will be held at Valley View Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 10:00 for visitation and funeral service at 11:00. The Reverend Jake Herron will be officiating. Interment will follow at Phillippi Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by Johnson County Honor Guard.

Condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.mountaincityfh.com