James R. Phipps, 83, of Sparta, NC was called to meet his Heavenly Father on October 11, 2017, surrounded by his family at his daughter's home in Catawba, NC. James was born on February 13, 1934 at Whitetop, VA, to the late Joseph Neal and Florence Ellen Farmer Phipps.

James was a faithful severant of God and was called to preach and spread God's word in his twenties. He pastored several churches in Maryland and NC during his ministry years. He was a member of Mountain Top Baptist Church. James worked as a carpenter, farmer, and maintenance until he retired in 2001 and returned to school and obtained his high school diploma from Wilkes Community College. He is fondly remembered for his smiling face, his immaculate carpentry work, his jokes, and his love for his family

James was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Lillian Bebber Phipps, a son Michael Neal Phipps, his second wife Norma Jean Phipps, brother Willie Phipps, an sisters, Addie Shumate, Rena Kennedy and Joie Bebber.

Those left to cherish his memory are daughters Phyllis Phipps Starr of Goose Creek, SC and Karen Phipps Drum and husband Brian of Catawba, NC; grandson James Micheal Starr of Summerville, SC ( who was his favorite person in the world) brother John E. Phipps and wife Earlene of Elk Creek, VA, stepchildren Gary Edwards of Sparta, NC and Richard Edwards of Alabama, a honorary family member Blayne Workman of Sparta, NC, several in-laws, nieces and nephews

A service to honor James will be held at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel, Independence, VA on Monday, October 16, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. with visitation from 1:00-2:00 P.M. The Rev. Everett Shaw will officiate. Burial will follow in Potato Creek Cemetery in Mouth of Wilson, VA

Memorials may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658