"Look up here Im in Heaven." Jim Phelps is today surrounded by Jesus, his Mom Gertrude, from whom he got his brains, and his Dad John where he inherited his magnificent charisma. David Bowie is there to have a sing along of Jims favorite songs. Jims enthusiastic convincing optimism came into our world, January 27, 1955. Jim had tremendous faith in his Lord Jesus and this faith gave him the morale code and confidence that sustained him throughout his life. Jim had unwavering expectations that he would be a success and he believed in himself even when no one else did. Jim met his wife Trish and the attraction to her was both immediate and encompassing. They completed each other and she will forever be Jims love. Trish remembers how young she was when they married and how well Jim took care of her. When she was often afraid he made her safe with his love, help, and understanding. Jim took Trish on adventures. He was smart, funny, and loving. Jim took risks and never gave up! Together Jim and Trish had three children they adore. Julia Katherine "Katie" Phelps, Dylan Phelps, and Caroline "Callie" Phelps Thomas (Jeff). Jim would say to his kids, "We arent poor, we are broke. You can overcome being broke." He would go on to say, "You can be rich and broke, or broke over and over, but we are NOT poor." "If you dont love what you are working on change where you are working or what you are doing." "If you arent bleeding you arent having any fun." "TAKE THE RISK!" Jim loved his hobbies, duck hunting, boating, fishing the Illinois River, in Canada, and Florida, just to name a few places. He loved hunting trips to Argentina. Jim took his kids to catfish tournaments in the summer. He would say when he took Dylan, things were pretty quiet. But, when he took the girls he would return home saying, "my right ear is bleeding from all the talk, (mostly Callie)." Jim was a loyal friend, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He absolutely delighted in his grandchildren. If you were ever lucky enough to spend a night with this family, the morning would greet you with the smells from a huge wonderful breakfast that Jim and his oldest granddaughter Charlotte got up early to prepare. The first time Jim took Charlotte fishing she was about four years old. When Charlotte caught her fish, she held it up and exclaimed "thats one handsome man!" Jim and Reid would spend overnights at the cabin where they stayed up late playing gin rummy and placing their bets with cheese balls. Josys favorite game invented by her Grandpa, was "The Penny" game. The kids all started on the top step, and whoever reached the bottom first by guessing which hand Grandpa held the penny in won, the penny, of course. These were all "high stakes" games of pennies, cheese balls, or a fish. Mostly, they were games of the love a Grandpa for his Grandchildren. All enjoyed the boating on the Lake of the Ozarks. Jim loved music, we all enjoyed the time together choosing our favorite songs and singing along. If Jims buddy DJ Troy was on the radio he would call the station and say one name, "Bowie." What have I become My sweetest friend. Everyone goes away in the end. Youre a bluebird on a telegraph line. I hope youre happy now. If you could read, my mind. Love what a tale my thoughts could tell. If I could make days last forever if words could make wishes come true. Id save every day like a treasure, and then again, I would spend them with you. Jim is with us all today. We hold him in our hearts and we will all see him soon. In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that we all plant something, he loved planting. Memorials can be sent to either, Trinity Lutheran School in Arenzville, IL or Faith Lutheran Church Youth Group in Jacksonville. After cremation, a celebration in honor of Jims life will be held 4-6 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2022, at the Elks Lodge, 231 W Morgan Street, Jacksonville, IL. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com. .