James Albert Phillips III, 86, died of cancer, in his San Marino home on December 7, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Los Angeles on July 2, 1926 to James and Florence Reilly Phillips, he was a fourth-generation Californian whose great-grandfather, Major Horace Bell, was a noted chronicler of life in early Southern California.

Jim graduated from South Pasadena/San Marino High School in 1944.  Starting at the age of 14, he worked with his father at Phillips Aviation Company in South Pasadena, learning the basics of mechanical engineering.  After graduating from Pomona College in 1949, Jim married Lauris Jardine and took the helm of his father's firm.  After a brief foray into toy manufacturing, he acquired Marples Gears in 1959, becoming a leading manufacturer of high precision gears for the aerospace, medical, and defense industries.  Upon retiring in 1989, he shifted his focus to Fairmont Trading Company, a tribal arts venture started with Lauris in the 1970s.  The couple became nationally recognized experts as well as collectors and traders of antique Native American art and artifacts.  Jim served on the board of Southwest Museum and, with Lauris, was honored earlier this year with a rare Lifetime Achievement Award by the Antique Tribal Arts Dealers Association.

Jim was also an avid world traveler, taking a special interest in the art, architecture, and cuisine of France.  He was an expert amateur photographer, wine connoisseur, and lover of Dixieland jazz.  Jim impressed all who knew him well with his strong work ethic, sharp analytic skills, broad range of interests, and sly sense of humor.  He cared deeply for his family and his pets as well.

Jim is survived by Lauris, his wife of 65 years; daughters Cassandra Phillips (Robert Burkey) of Waimea, Hawaii; Holly Phillips of Los Angeles, Shelley Hauser of Atiwanda, and Poppy Phillips (Allen) Mehlhaff of Riverbank; and a son, James A. Phillips IV of San Gabriel.  He was preceded in death by daughter Melissa Phillips.  He also leaves eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Los Angeles Times, December 30, 2012 and Pasadena Star-News, January 6, 2013