James "J.C." Carroll Phillips

James Carroll Phillips was born in Giles County, Tennessee on December 15, 1939. He remained there until 1965, when he packed up his family and moved to Atlanta, starting his Ford career and life in Georgia. He passed peacefully on August 17, 2025, in Marietta, Georgia. J.C., as he was known to his friends, was a fierce advocate for organized labor. He began working at Ford Motor Company in 1965 and answered the call to UAW leadership a few years later. He served in many capacities within Ford and the UAW. His leadership during the early 90's led him to a great partnership with the plant manager of the Atlanta Assembly Plant. This cooperation led to them being invited, with a Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable, to the White House to meet with President Bill Clinton. He even sat in one of the cars with the President.

He loved the idea of the power of an organized workforce and continued working after his retirement in 1996, even when his health wouldn't allow it, to fight for workers' and retirees' rights. He was an avid bowler, with many 300 games to his credit. He also loved auctions and was a "wheeler-dealer." He bought and sold anything and everything, never passing up a good sale.

J.C. is preceded in death by his wife, Connie O'Hair Phillips, whom he lost on December 5, 2024. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Sarah Pearl Lanier O'Malley Phillips and John Ed Phillips; his sister, Jewel Dean Phillips Abernathy (Dean); and sister-in-law, Jean Phillips (John).

He is survived by 5 children: Jeff (Ellen) Phillips of Dallas, GA, Chris (Scott Groves) Phillips of Marietta, GA, Angie (Randy) Boswell of Dallas, GA, Debbie (Brad) Austin of Hiram, GA, and Alicia (Tim) Tiller of Dallas, GA; step-daughter, Kayleigh (Chris) Sheppard of Stapleton, GA; and brothers, John Phillips Jr. of Pulaski, RN and Larry (Michelle) Phillips of Pulaski, TN. He is also survived by his first wife and mother of his children, Ann Phillips of Dallas, GA. In addition, he is survived by 13 grandkids, 14 great-grandkids, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the United Auto Workers Local 882, 3915 Gilbert Road, Hapeville, GA 30354 at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 6, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Masonic Home of Georgia.

Please share a memory or condolence with the family at www.nationalcremation.com.