Jimmy Owen Phifer passed away Friday, August 8, 2014, in Tucson, AZ, at the home of his daughter Meshelle DiFonzo. Jim was born Jimmy Owen Phifer to Owen and Grace Kent Phifer on July 5, 1941 in Iuka.
Following graduation from Iuka High School in 1957, he attended Itawamba Junior College in Fulton, MS, where he received an Associate Degree. He was a graduate of the University of Mississippi with BS and Master's degrees in education. Later he obtained the Ed.D. from Nova University and the Juris Doctorate from Southland University. While attending school, he served as local pastor to several different Methodist churches including Mantachie, MS. After serving as an educational administrator in various cities, he obtained a law degree and settled in Tucson where he had a law practice for several years.
Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cliff and Dona Jackson Phifer, Ada Lewis Kent and Rob Kent; his parents, Owen and Grace Kent Phifer; and a nephew, Gregory Owen Scott. He is survived by two daughters, Angie and Mike Sellers of Tucson, AZ, and Meshelle and Augie DiFonzo of Oro Valley, AZ; two sisters; Dr. Joanne and David Horton of Opelika, AL, and Dr. Nita and Dr. Stan Stegmiller of West Palm Beach, FL; four grandchildren, Patrick DiFonzo of San Antonio, TX, Ben Sellers of Tucson, AZ, Bianca DiFonzo of Centurion, AR, and Megan Sellers of Houston, TX; a great-niece, Amber Scott, and a great-great niece Aubree Bain, both of Corinth, MS; two nephews, Bo Horton of Panama City Beach, FL, and Justin Scott of Hillsboro, OR; two great-nephews, Cole Horton of Panama City Beach, FL, and Owen Scott of Corinth, MS; one uncle, M.B. Phifer of Iuka, MS; and numerous other cousins, relatives, and friends.
Jim was a member of the Catalina United Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ, and held memberships in several other organizations, including the Rotary Club of Tucson.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, August 24 at 1:00 PM at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in Iuka, with Rev. Aubrey Boren officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service. Pallbearers will be first cousins: Freddy Phifer, Bobby Phifer, Noonan Phifer, Wayland Phifer, Wendell Phifer, John Kent, Tony Kent, Tommy Nunley, Donny Kent, and Lewis Kent. Honorary pallbearers will be the Iuka High School Class of 1957. First cousin, Johnny Nunley will present the eulogy.
Memorials may be made to the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 201 Graham Road, Iuka, MS. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka is entrusted with arrangements.
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