Marlborough – James J. Phillipo Jr., 74, affectionately known as “Big Jim” by all who loved him, passed away Aug. 31, 2019 after a four-year-long battle with cancer.
A Marlborough resident his whole life, Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sheila Phillipo, and their three children, James Phillipo III and his wife Maria, Matthew Phillipo, and Farrah Phillipo and her partner Paul Bettencourt. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Gabrielle Phillipo, Brittany Phillipo, Joseph Phillipo, Cristoffer Miguel and Tristan Bettencourt; two sisters, Karen Werner and Ellen Giancola; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was the son of the late James J. Phillipo Sr. and Ethel Phillipo, and was predeceased by his sister, Gail Robey.
Jim was a Master Plumber for more than 50 years and he worked hard to provide for his family.
Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman since childhood. His happy place was always up in a tree stand waiting patiently for a bear to pass by. He traveled around the world enjoying the sport he loved so much. When he wasn’t hunting or fishing, he could usually be found cheering on his favorite sports team, the New York Giants or planting and watering his myriad of flowers that adorned his home year after year. Jim’s green thumb earned him a certificate of appreciation from the Colonial Garden Club of Marlborough for Beautifying the City of Marlborough.
Jim was a member of the National Guard during Vietnam, serving his country for six years. He has been a long-time, active and dedicated member of the American Legion Post 132, serving as Chaplain for many years. Jim was instrumental in forming the Post’s Color Guard to honor our nation’s flag.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 4-7 p.m., at Slattery Funeral Home, 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough.
In lieu of flowers the family request donation be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
