James Patrick “Pat” Phillips, 55, died suddenly but peacefully on Sunday, February 9, at his home in Lancaster, PA. James was born on May 10, 1969, in Atlanta, GA. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology and began his career in IT support. James enjoyed fishing, playing video games, and making people laugh. He was also a sci-fi/fantasy writer under the pen name R. Kane.
James is survived by his only child Kaylen Phillips, their partner J. van Kuilenburg, and the family cat Etta of Philadelphia, PA; brother Allan Phillips of WV; sisters-in-law Katherine Roberts of FL and Tammi Phillips of GA; nieces and nephews Eric, Kimberly, and Kevin Roberts of FL and Stephen and Jennifer Phillips of GA; and other friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his father Lewis Phillips of GA; mother, Gaynor Roberts Phillips of GA; brothers Gary Roberts of FL, and Stephen “Chris” Phillips of GA; and sister Lucretia Roberts of GA.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, 2125 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103 on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2 p.m. A virtual link will be made available for those who cannot join in person. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Invisible Histories, a southern LGBTQ community-based archive. Please visit James’ Memorial Page at www.TheGroffs.com
The Marion Tribune – March 6, 2025
