James L. Phillips

View Video Tribute James L. Phillips, 68 years, of Bryan, died at 5:10 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2007, at his residence. Jim was a 1957 graduate of Bryan High School.  In 1953, Jim began working for Pepsi Bottling Company, where he worked throughout his high school years.  He then began working for the City of Bryan in 1956 in the Street Department in maintenance and equipment operation.  He joined the Bryan Fire Department in 1962.  In March of 1965, Jim joined the Bryan Police Department as a “rookie patrolman.”  He took courses at the Dayton Police Academy and completed his study at the top of his class.  In 1968 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant with the Bryan Police Department.  He continued his studies at the Ohio State Patrol Academy, the Ohio Police Academy, The Defiance College, the University of Toledo and the American Polygraph Academy at the Ford Foundation in Dearborn, Michigan.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Delta College.  In 1977, Jim was promoted to Acting Chief of Police for the City of Bryan and in May of 1980, he was officially named Chief of Police, which position he held until his retirement in May of 1988.  During his law enforcement career, Jim served as President of the Williams County Fraternal Order of Police, President of the State of Ohio Polygraph Examiners' Association and the Governor’s Committee on Drug Crime.  He was also very active in the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.  After his retirement, Jim started his own polygraph practice as well as working as an Intensive Probation Officer for Williams County Juvenile Court.  He was also called upon to make investigations into police misconduct allegations and give expert testimony in State and Federal Courts.  In 1996, Jim retired.  Jim and Anita then purchased a camper and began traveling.  Jim was a volunteer at Harrison Lake State Park.  Jim was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council 1915, the Bryan Eagles Aerie 2233, and the Friends of Harrison Lake.  Jim was active in coaching his children and grandchildren in Little League baseball, softball, football and basketball.  He had served as Secretary of the Bryan Baseball Association as well as two terms as President of the Bryan Baseball Association. James L. Phillips was born on April 7, 1939, in Bryan, Ohio, the son of Denver J. and Gertrude (Jack) Phillips.  He married Anita M. Bzovi on February 6, 1956, in Norton, Virginia, and she survives. In addition to his wife, Anita, Jim is survived by his son, James E. (Suzanne) Phillips, of Bryan, two daughters, Kathryn (Douglas) Pool, of Bryan, and Lori Phillips of Bryan; six grandchildren, Triah and Jacob Phillips, Danielle and Kevin Pool, Alex and Andrea Nofzinger; his mother and stepfather, Gertrude (Milo) Gray, of Bryan; two brothers, Thomas (Mary) Phillips, of Bryan and Gus (Linda) Phillips, of Bryan, and his sister-in-law, Thelma Phillips, of Bryan.  He was preceded in death by his father, Denver J. Phillips, and a brother, Denver W. Phillips. Funeral services for James L. Phillips will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 11, 2007, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bryan, with Father Charles Ritter officiating.  Interment will follow in Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan.  Visitation for Mr. Phillips will be held on Sunday, June 10, 2007, from 2-8 p.m. in the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan, with recitation of the Rosary at 8:00 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Memorials in the name of James L. Phillips may be given to the Cancer Assistance of Williams County, Williams County Public Library, Bryan branch, or to the family.