Donald 'Jim' James Phillippi

Donald James ‘Jim’ Phillippi, 80, of Toronto, OH, passed away Friday, Dec. 29, 2017 in the Lifeline Hospital in Wintersville, OH.

Jim was born Sept. 29, 1937 in Piney Fork, OH, son of the late Leo and Alma (Barbai) Phillippi.

After high school, Jim served in the US Marines as a Medical Tech. He then worked at Weirton Medical Center until he decided to work in the car industry.

Jim first worked at Riley’s Chevrolet (1966-1976) in Steubenville. He then became Sales Manager at McComb’s (1976-1983) in Cadiz. Jim then consulted at GO Incorporated (1983-1986) before he had the opportunity to purchase his own store in Bloomington, IL (1986-1988). In 1988 he had the opportunity to come back to the area and purchase what became J&J Auto Connection (1988-2008) in Toronto, OH.

Jim was the President and CEO of J&J til his retirement in 2008. After the death of his step-daughter, Kristina, he returned back to Toronto and went back to work as a Salesman at Bob-Robinson (2009-present) at the Highlands in WV.

He was always there for his customers and family. Jim was a General Motors Mark of Excellence Salesman, a member of the NADA 20 Group and the Steubenville American Legion Post #33.

In addition to his parents, Leo and Alma, Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan (Smurda) Phillippi, his step-father, Steve Sackacs and his step-daughter, Kristina Cortez White.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Deborah Phillippi; his two daughters, Tamara Phillippi (Tom Myl) of Moon Twp, PA and Jami Montgomery; his five grandchildren who were the loves of his life, Aaron Hilt of Ashland, OH, Philip Hilt of Richmond, OH, Jordan Quinn of Surfside Beach, SC, Zack Burch of Toronto and Luke Vankeuren of Moon Twp, PA.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018 from 3 pm til the time of Jim’s Memorial Service at 5 pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto. Fr. Thomas Vennitti will officiate the service. Following the service the Toronto American Legion will present Military Honors.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s memory to assist with his grandchildren’s educations.

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