MIDDLETOWN - James N. Phillips, 53, of Middletown, passed away Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, after a heroic two year battle with cancer. He maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end. Jim was born on Feb. 28, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pa., to James F. Phillips and Evelyn L. Colhoun Phillips. During his younger years he prided himself on becoming an Eagle Scout. He started his career as the purchasing agent for Beneficial National Bank, moved on as the Eastern Shore Remount Coordinator for Gordon Jewelers. He finally settled in life by becoming the proprietor of Home Care Services for 22 years, which included him being an integral part of preparing homes for Christmas in Odessa Historic tours. He was forced to retire due to health issues and became a Delaware Realtor and earned his degree in Home Staging. Later after making a final career shift, he was an automotive sales consultant for Union Park's Pontiac and Volvo divisions in Wilmington. His lifelong passion for music and singing led him to perform in a choral presentation at Carnegie Hall in New York in 2001. He was always an avid storyteller among his friends and family. The creativity and imagination allowed him to fulfill his love for writing when he became a published writer in 2001. His other passions included pursuing God's word, gardening, and painting, cooking, playing the trumpet and restoring vintage cars. He enjoyed socializing and entertaining those around him – always bringing laughter to any conversation. He cherished and valued the many stories, life milestones, and time shared with his sister-in-law, Jane, whom he often referred to as his daughter. Jim loved writing with his mom and debating with his dad about the values in life to make him a better man. He embraced his brother-in-law, Michael, as a blood brother with whom he always played practical jokes. He and his wife were soul mates. Jim enjoyed his mother-in-law Mary Janes's cooking, morning coffee with Robert Pike, and his bedside companion cats, Binx and Sebastian. Jim looked forward to playing games and cards with family and friends, trick or treating "runs" with family and especially the joys of the spirit of Christmas. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Douglas Charles "Chuck" Phillips; paternal grandparents, Charles and Katherine Phillips; maternal grandparents, Douglas and Florence Colhoun; father-in-law, Carl Nelson Lane; and Meisha, his beloved dog and companion for 16 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Leona M. Thompson Phillips; his loving parents, James and Evelyn Phillips; sister-in-law, Jane Lane Dixon and her husband Michael; and mother-in-law, Mary Jane Lane. Jim will be forever remembered and missed for his kind heart, creative stories, silly holiday songs like Peter Cotton Tail, and most of all, his smile. He appreciated the many visits, calls, and letters from friends, especially Gail Ascione and Donna Mascarenas. He and his family would especially like to thank all the visiting nurses, aids "his girls," and counselors for their help and support during their time of need. Memorial services will be 6 p.m., Monday evening at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Friends may call one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.