James Douglas Philo

Jim, aged 75, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.  He was born on April 19, 1949, in Lansing, Michigan, to Juras and Helen (Mentel) Philo.  Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth (Mullin) Philo; his 6 children: Patricia and Daniel Richardson, Kristine and Michael Irvin, John and Erica Philo, Susan Butler, Kathryn and Aaron Morrow and Mark and Annieka Philo; 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; 10 siblings: Karen and Richard Miller, Michael and Linda Philo, Paul and Jean Philo, Gerald Philo, Mary and Steve Richey, Janet Pawlowski, Elizabeth and Robert Beaune, Ruth and Phillip Wieferich, Joan and Steven Cavins and Sandra and Dale Montgomery; and an army of nieces, nephews and their children.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents Juras and Helen Philo, son-in-law Craig Butler, and brother-in-law Mark Pawlowski.

Jim spent most of his growing up years in Mason, Michigan.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, where he also became one of the founding members of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Mu Lambda chapter.  Jim earned his Master’s of Business Administration degree from Eastern Michigan University.  Jim worked for Consumers Power/Energy for 40 years, retiring as Team Lead for the Gas Underground Storage department.  He continued to consult for Consumers Energy for 12 years after retirement.  Jim was very involved in community service as a 16 year member of the Parma Western School Board; many years as a member of the Parma/Spring Arbor Lions Club; many years as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Jackson; many years with the local American Red Cross as a disaster services volunteer;  Lector and Eucharistic Minister for his church; 26 years as a presenting team with wife Beth, for Catholic Engaged Encounter retreat weekends; 40 years as a hockey referee and 25+ years as a soccer referee for the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).  Jim is an avid sports fan and Civil War buff.  He enjoyed solving puzzles, family camping, traveling with Beth around the country and abroad, and especially enjoyed watching grandchildren participate in academic and extra-curricular activities.

Visitation will be held at Watson Funeral Chapel – 2590 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 5:00PM-8:00PM. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church – 1111 Carlton Blvd., Jackson on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 11:00AM with visitation one hour prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Kiwanis Club of Jackson Foundation or to the American Red Cross. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Douglas Philo, please visit our floral store.