James Russell Phillips (JR), 34, of Marshall, Texas, passed away on June 6, 2026, in Longview, Texas, after a brief illness.

He was born on March 18, 1992, in Longview, Texas, to Oran C. Phillips, Jr., and Teri Bennett.He lived his entire life in Marshall, Texas, and graduated from Marshall High School with the class of 2010. He worked as a heavy equipment operator after finishing high school. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors. He loved four wheeler riding with his family and friends and had a deep love for the deer lease. Whether he was just staring at the fire or solving the world's problems, you could always find him spending time around a campfire.
He made sure to make family and close friends his main priority. He had the biggest heart around and if he loved you, you could guarantee it was a love never dying. He loved 110% with his whole heart. His famous saying was, "Call me if you need me," and he meant every word of it.

James was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Betty Knight Phillips; his maternal grandparents, Jimmy and Doris Wallace; and his bonus dad, Jerrold Vaughn.

He is survived by his loving parents, Oran C. Phillips, Jr. (Kelli), and Teri Bennett (Joey); grandfather, Oran C. Phillips, Sr.; bonus grandmother, Patricia Beloney; sisters, LeAnne Seals (Dellen) and Heather Hancock (Brandon); brothers, Brandon Starr, Jerrod Vaughn, Dillon Bennett, and Tucker Bennett; nephews, Brodey, Braylon, and Brixon Seals, Kannon Vaughn, and Nickolas and Connor Starr; nieces, Stella Vaughn, Jaden Starr, and Sutton Hancock; and a host of aunts, uncles, and extended family. He will be greatly missed by all those that loved him.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bruce Hill, Heath Williams, Justin Smith, John Blackstock, Ronnie Rojas, and Hunter Festervan. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Phillips, Chad Phillips, and Rodney Russell.

A funeral service for will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m., in the Chapel.