Obituary
James L. Phillips, age 83, of Wilmette, died on February 9, 2024. Jim was born to Herbert and Florence Phillips on June 28, 1940, in Chicago. He is survived by his children Ruth (Jorge Ramirez) Phillips and Adam (Satoko) Phillips; stepdaughter Bridget (Kári) Ragnarsson; grandchildren Ben and Alex Ramirez, and Freyja, Patrek, and Loa Ragnarsson; siblings Rob (Marilee) Phillips, Ken (Janis) Phillips, and Jerry Phillips; and many extended family members. Jim was preceded in death by Mary Prindiville, his wife of more than thirty years. Jim was a scholar of anthropology and archaeology. He was a Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Curator at the Field Museum of Natural History. He had a decades-long career studying prehistory in the Middle East, publishing numerous books and articles with collaborators who often became dear friends. Growing up surrounded by books and opera recordings made Jim a lifelong lover of literature and music. He had overflowing bookshelves and a stereo that could be heard from down the block. Jim loved traveling. He could be counted on to know the best burger and brat joints in most corners of the world, and to be great company at their tables. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd. Glencoe, IL 60022, www.chicagobotanic.org/donate. Chapel service Friday, February 16, 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment following at Shalom Memorial Park. For a link to view the service, shiva information and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.