Obituary of James G. Phillips

James G. Phillips, Sr., age 87, of Stratford, beloved husband of Marilyn Hinchey Phillips, passed away, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 4, 2015. Born in Washington, LA on March 29, 1928, he was a son of the late Joseph and Viola Soileau Phillips. A U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, he was a graduate of New Orleans High School and attended Pace University. Jay had a love of cars and turned that passion into a career as an auto parts salesman for Prime Automotive for over 30 years, and Coopers Auto Parts for four years. He was an active member of the Village Voices where he sang and performed with friends, and the Fun Seekers Club, at Oronoque Village, Stratford. Jay was a family man and cherished his time spent with them. In addition to his beloved wife, Marilyn, survivors include six children, Mary (Cathy) Gintoli and her husband Joseph, Karen Lechene and her husband Michael, Diane Lazar and her husband Bruce, Christine Howard and her husband Peter, James Phillips, Jr. and his wife Laurie and Craig Phillips and his wife Lori, 19 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and a niece, Deborah Dupre Martin. In addition to his parents, Mr. Phillips was pre-deceased by a sister, Betty Dupre and a brother, Floyd Phillips. "Gentleman" Jay, as he was affectionately called, was a Southern gentleman through and through. Born in bayou country, he had a love of spicy food and often brought his own hot sauce to family events. Although he was often found sitting quietly, he enjoyed watching the antics of his family and was known to tell a few stories, tall tales about his younger days. He will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. Friends are invited to meet directly in St. James Church, 2110 Main St., Stratford on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Family and friends may call on Monday from 4-8 p.m. at The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent's Special Needs Services, 95 Merritt Blvd., Trumbull, CT 06611 or Autism Speaks, 1060 State Rd., Second Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540.