Jacksonville – Joseph "Joe" James Phillips, 78, of Jacksonville, North Carolina passed away on November 10, 2025, at New Hanover Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Burial will follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Joe was born on March 8, 1947, in Hammond, Louisiana to the late Leroy Phillips and Annie Cardinale Phillips. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his nephew, Ricky Pierson and father-in-law, Robert Yarborough.

Joe served in the United States Marine Corps in the Vietnam War. After his Marine career ended, he worked with Jacksonville Police Department until his retirement. Additionally, Joe worked in the Onslow County School Systems as a computer technician. Joe enjoyed the numerous Disney cruises on which he and his wife traveled.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Connie Phillips; sisters, Mary Pierson and Nadine Harrell (Glenn, Jr.); mother-in-law, Jeanette Yarborough; sister-in-law, Jeannie Bland (Ben) and her children, who he cherished dearly, Joshua Bland (Rosie) and Emily Smith (Kevin); nephews, Ronnie Pierson, Jerry Pierson, Nicky Pierson, Jessie Harrell, and Russell Harrell.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.

Flowers are welcomed or memorial gifts can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers, or Carolina Museum of the Marines.