Rev. James Henry Phillips

James Henry Phillips was one of seven children born to the late Presiding Elder J.H. Phillips, Jr. and Mrs. Willie B. Phillips, and he was the grandson of the late Rev. J.H. Phillips, Sr. He was also the proud father of three children- Jason, James Jr. and Farrah.

Born in College Station, Texas, James attended public schools in Harris and surrounding counties. His undergraduate studies were at St. Phillips College in San Antonio, Texas, Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas and Paul Quinn College, then in Waco, Texas.

James attended Sunnyside Minister’s School in Houston, Texas and was selected by Bishop John Bryant to attend the ongoing Advanced Management Seminars at ITC (Interdenominational Theological Center) in Atlanta, Georgia and at Howard University’s School of Divinity in Washington, DC. In 1990, Texas University in Tyler, Texas conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree.

James served three years in the United States Army, including a tour in Vietnam. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, he returned to Houston and worked for U-Totem Stores, Inc. Shortly thereafter, he went into business for himself, opening Easy Way Food Stores and several washaterias. Also a real estate investor, James retired from full-time business in 1984.

During his lifetime, Rev. Phillips pastored three churches- Wallis Circuit in Wallis, Texas, Wesley Chapel-Freeport in Clute, Texas and Old Ocean Circuit, in Old Ocean, Texas.

Rev. Phillips joined the Texas Conference as Presiding Elder of the South Houston District in 1994 with an enviable record of experience and service. He successfully and spiritually served the West Texas Conference for fourteen years- ten years as a pastor who ministered to the special needs of the people, and four years as Presiding Elder of the Bay City District where he was consumed with the spiritual growth and development of the district.

Presiding Elder Phillips was elected to the General Board of the A.M.E. Church from 1992-1996. He served on the General Board in 1998. He was elected Treasurer of the Presiding Elder’s Council of the Tenth Episcopal District and was also elected Treasurer of the Presiding Elder’s Connectional Council. He was also the Tenth Episcopal District’s representative on the A.M.E. Ministerial Retirement Board and was also selected to represent the A.M.E. (Connectional) Church on the World Methodist Council where he served on the Planning Committee for the World Evangelism’s Millennium Celebration. His last appointment in 2004 was Presiding Elder of the Austin Capital District Southwest Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Rev. Phillips was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters- Johnnie Randle, Linda Herrin and Juanita Phillips. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Washington-Phillips; his children, Jason Phillips (Kimberly), James Phillips Jr., Farrah Brown, Willie Carter (Donika), Chrystal Elam (Wryan), LaTesha Carter and LaTresha Carter; his sisters, Diana Phillips and Luvenia Phillips; his brother, Michael Phillips; seven grandchildren; the Washington family and a host of family and friends who will cherish memories of his life and legacy.

A visitation for James will be held Friday, March 17, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Forest Park South Funeral Home, 12650 Shadow Creek Parkway, Pearland, Texas 77584. A funeral service will occur Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 12:00 PM at South Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Church, 5520 Airport Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77048. A committal service will occur Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Paradise Cemetery South, 2237 Cullen Boulevard, Pearland, Texas 77581.