Obituary of James Alfred Phelps

PHELPS, LTC (Ret) James (Flip) A ; 81, passed away quietly Jan, 18, 2010 after being diagnosed in 2009 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was a Vietnam veteran serving with the U.S. Army, first as an enlisted man in Japan from 1948-1950, then as an officer after graduating from the University of Miami from 1952-1970 in the Transportation Corps. He was always a big Miami Hurricane fan, following their Football and Basketball seasons without failure. His overseas assignments included Puerto Rico, Panama and Vietnam. During his first tour in Vietnam (1962), he was an American advisor to the South Vietnamese and was awarded one of the first Bronze Star medals. An accomplished flier in both rotary and fixed wing aircraft, he commanded a helicopter company in Vietnam in 1967. After his retirement (1970), he founded James A. Phelps Associates from 1970 to 1984 working in procurement as a manufacturer’s representative for companies who built aircraft parts for the military. He was also co-owner of several gift shops in the St. Louis area, the most notable one being “The Hidden Grok” from 1972 to 1979. After full retirement in 1984, he and his wife spent time commuting from their home in St. Louis to their condo in Las Vegas. In 1996 they moved to St. Pete Beach, Florida and in 2003 he moved in with his son, Doug and Daughter- in- law, Karen who resides in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. During this time he spent many hours volunteering at the 6th Medical Group, MacDill AFB, visiting veterans at the Tampa VA hospital and watching two of his grandchildren grow. James was a lifetime member of MOAA and Quad A, and a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was married to Florence (Frimi) until her death in 2003. His son, Mitchell preceded him in death in 1988. He is survived by his half sister, Dianne Tenuto Neeley, two children, Douglas and Teri; daughter- in- law, Karen; four grandchildren; Sara, Mason, Mitchell and Brendan and one great-grandchild. Interment will take place on Jan 25 at 2:30pm at Florida National Cemetery located in Bushnell, Florida (Sumter County). At 4:00 p.m., Doug and Karen Phelps will host a celebration of his life with Shiva at 5:00 p.m. conducted by Rabbi Hoffman at their home in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. Donations may go to: The American Legion, Dept of Florida, PO Box 547859, Orlando Florida, 32854 in lieu of flowers.