James Lewis Phillips, Jr. of Bethlehem died quietly on May 17, 2017, surrounded by his family in the home he built for them. A son of Clercy Keith Phillips and James L. Phillips, he was born near Birmingham, AL on June 9, 1918. As a young draftsman, he was encouraged by his boss at Tennessee Coal & Iron to attend Georgia Tech, and on graduation in 1942 became a "heck of an engineer."  He entered the Loop Program at Bethlehem Steel Company in 1942 and enjoyed a long and rewarding career with the company. Among the positions he held were manager of the power house and superintendent of the Bethlehem plant. After moving from the Company to the Corporation, he was instrumental in the design and implementation of the 14-inch rolling mills and basic oxygen furnace. As Consulting Engineer, Special Projects in the years prior to his retirement in 1984, he was a valued trouble-shooter for Bethlehem Steel oil drilling projects and rolling mills.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Louise Patton. Together they raised six children who survive him, along with eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  He was involved with numerous organizations as a volunteer and/or board member, including the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Meals on Wheels, Bethlehem Steel Club, Girl Scouts of America; he served as a volunteer tax preparer for the AARP and advised the organizers of the Smithsonian Institution Museum of Industrial History. Jim was a serious golfer, an avid gardener and a superb craftsman. The enjoyment he derived from long hours in his workshop is vividly present in his beautiful carvings of American songbirds.

Survivors:  children Barbara L. Phillips, Ann Abadessa (Robert), Mary Ellen O'Connell, James P. Phillips (Mary Kessack), Margaret Schwartz (Robert), and Robert Phillips (Sarah).  Grandchildren Amy Wood (Erik), Christopher Deysher (Ashley), Mallory Porter (Tim), Alison O'Connell, Emily Phillips, Jennifer Phillips, James H. Phillips, Clairissa Phillips.  Great-grandchildren Addison, Conner, Emery, and Quinnley Wood and Abigail Deysher.

Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to Meals on Wheels, 4240 Fritch Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18020 or a charitable organization of your choice.