David James "Jim" Phelps

Age 87, of Leoni Township, passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2021 surrounded by loved ones and under the care of Senior Meadows Assisted Living and Careline Hospice. A very special thank you from the family to Lena, Becka and staff for taking such great care of Jim and treating him like their own. Born in Rives Junction, he was the son of Leon Robert and Ruth Elizabeth (Latter) Phelps. Jim is survived by two children, Dave (Holly) Phelps and Dawn (Marcus) Norris; three granddaughters: Jessica (Mike) Villarreal and their children, Alyssa, Dylan, Braylen and Maesyn; Amanda (Jeremy) Dunlap and their children, Wyatt and Maggie; Brooke (Jeff) Dean and their children, Maddy, Teagan and Boston. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Delores in 2006 and siblings, Twyla Kill, Nancy Hasbrook, Nina Cochrane, Mary Phelps, Delores Holy, Shirley Presley, Sandra Graber, Jack Phelps and Leon H. Phelps. Jim was proud to be a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in Korea. After the service he came home and worked at automobile dealerships before opening his own Jim Phelps Service, operating gas/service stations as well as towing service. He served his community working in the Leoni Police Department, sitting on various township committees and then went on to be the Leoni Township Supervisor for over 25 years. Throughout his life, Jim was happiest when he was busy, either with township work, plowing snow for anyone who was in need; if he saw that a project needed to be done he was always ready to help. He enjoyed his work and helping people. He enjoyed racing boats and cars, especially at Jackson, Butler and Manchester Speedways. Jim's greatest love was his family, being a supportive husband, father and grandfather. A visitation will be held at Arthur-Day Funeral Home on Friday, June 18, 2021 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. A Funeral Service to honor a life well lived will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at Leoni Cemetery with military honors provided by the Wilber-Bartlett Brooklyn American Legion Post #315. For those who wish, contributions in Jim's memory may be given to the Jackson County Veteran Affairs Van Fund, 1715 Lansing Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jackson, MI 49202.

David James "Jim" Phelps

May 24, 1934 - June 16, 2021