Obituary

James L. Phillips, age 83, of Wilmette, died on February 9, 2024. Jim was born to Herbert and Florence Phillips on June 28, 1940, in Chicago. He is survived by his children Ruth (Jorge Ramirez) Phillips and Adam (Satoko) Phillips; stepdaughter Bridget (Kári) Ragnarsson; grandchildren Ben and Alex Ramirez, and Freyja, Patrek, and Loa Ragnarsson; siblings Rob (Marilee) Phillips, Ken (Janis) Phillips, and Jerry Phillips; and many extended family members. Jim was preceded in death by Mary Prindiville, his wife of more than thirty years. Jim was a scholar of anthropology and archaeology. He was a Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Curator at the Field Museum of Natural History. He had a decades-long career studying prehistory in the Middle East, publishing numerous books and articles with collaborators who often became dear friends. Growing up surrounded by books and opera recordings made Jim a lifelong lover of literature and music. He had overflowing bookshelves and a stereo that could be heard from down the block. Jim loved traveling. He could be counted on to know the best burger and brat joints in most corners of the world, and to be great company at their tables. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd. Glencoe, IL 60022, www.chicagobotanic.org/donate. Chapel service Friday, February 16, 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment following at Shalom Memorial Park. For a link to view the service, shiva information and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.

Service Information

Service : Friday, February 16th at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Guest Book & Memories

Share your memories and photographs below.

February 17th, 2024

We were friends since grammar school and were even partners at our Bar Mitzvah in 1953. I could write a book about Jim stories. He will be missed.

~Donald Lason
~Friend, Park Ridge, IL

February 16th, 2024

Enjoyed socializing with Jim on occasions with his wife, Mary, who I worked with at Takeda. Loved to hear Jim’s stories of his world-wide travels.

~Barb leebens-0silaja
~Family friend, Evanston, Illinois

February 16th, 2024

My daughter and I appreciated being able to participate in the service via the livestream. Our condolences to Jim’s family. Bob and I appreciated Jim’s friendship and good humor through the years. Love, Barbara Hall

~Barbara Hall
~anthropology friend, Libertyville, IL

February 16th, 2024

Jim was always one of my favorite cousin. I was a bit jealous of how he would always be traveling and shared some of his stories

~Joyce Sohn
~Cousin, Hermosa Beach, California

February 16th, 2024

Too many to for this space, but always warm loving thoughts that will remain in my heart

~Gail Seltzer
~A dear friend from a long long time ago, Lauderdale by the Sea FL

February 15th, 2024

My condolences to Jim’s family. He was a wonderful friend and mentor to me for 45 years. I am grateful for all of the opportunities that he gave me, and for his advice and encouragement. I will always remember the times we spent together in the field, at UIC. and the Field Museum, and at conferences across the globe. He was one of a kind!

~Rick Yerkes
~friend and colleague, Columbus, OH

February 14th, 2024

I remember Jimmy always being in our home my entire life. He was one of my brother Steve Zucker “Zwock”
best friends. They were quite a gang and had a special friendship that spanned their lifetimes.
All with special names for each other! Jimbo will be missed by all

The little sister
Patti

~Patti Zucker Penner
~Old friend, Northbrook Illinois

Guest Book and Memories











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