James Brian Phelps

To his family and friends, Jim passed all too soon on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 45 years old in Mesa Arizona. He was born in Hammond, Indiana on January 15th, 1968 to Roy and Carolyn Phelps. Siblings include older brother David and younger sister Sherri. It was reported that the first time Sherri saw Jim she cried and Jim at 23 months said, “Oh, her cry, poor Sherri.” The family moved to Mesa, Arizona when he was 10 years old. He was an honor roll student and graduated Mesa High in 1986. Jim married Kimberly June Betz of Mesa, Arizona on December 15, 1996 and they continued to reside in Mesa. As an avid coin collector, Jim was a guest writer for Celator Coin Magazine and a member of the American Numismatic Association (coin Collecting). He enjoyed ancient antiquities, exercising by doing Shao Lin Kung Fu, and had a passion for genealogy. Jim volunteered at Friends for Life, fostered kittens, and served as Medical Director for a short time. Musically, Jim enjoyed playing the guitar and keyboard instruments. Jim took pleasure from all types of music but had a love for Trop Rock, Jimmy Buffett style. Jim had a strong commitment to organ donation, including the gift of a kidney for his father. Jim’s wishes were honored by providing further organ donation after his death. Jim had a wide variety of uncommon talents. Jobs as a youth included selling balloons at parades and swap markets, and working as Putt-Putt the Dragon at Golfland in Mesa. After high school he went into detailing (drafting). When one of his companies lost the computer technician, all IT questions were sent to Jim. He soon became the computer support and internet security specialist. Jim’s love for performance magic and for Kim began when he attended one of her large illusion shows. Jim and Kim especially enjoyed performing magic together for several years. Jim is survived by his wife, Kimberly Phelps, parents Roy and Carolyn Phelps, sister Sherri Phelps, and many loving family members. Jim was preceded in death by his brother David, grandparents Harold and Cecelia Boggs, and Orville Alva and Gladys Beulah Johnson. Jim will be remembered with a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 2:00 PM, at First Methodist Church of Gilbert, 331 S Cooper, Gilbert, AZ. Local services will be held in Indiana at a later date. Jim’s family wishes to extend thanks for the support of family, friends and church family.

James Brian Phelps

January 15, 1968 - March 27, 2013