James F. "Jim" Phipps Jr.

James F. Phipps, Jr., 62, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. He will be lovingly remembered by his three stepchildren Joselyn, Isaiah, and Alannah, who brought him great joy, as well as his numerous cousins, friends and students. He was the son of the late Faith and James F. Phipps.

Born July 8, 1964, in Philadelphia, PA, Jim started playing tennis at age 11 and joined the National Junior Tennis League. Mentored by legendary coaches, he ranked #7 in the Men's Open in 1981. Jim attended Abington Friends School where he was selected captain of the tennis team and 1982 Thode Athlete of the Year.

Coach Bill Kahler recruited him to play tennis and to be his assistant coach at Millersville University for many notable players, including four 2X NCAA All Americans. Millersville University honored the 1986 graduate (B.A. Economics) as a 2024-2025 Marvelous Marauder for his significant contribution in his professional life and the Millersville community.

The Black Tennis Hall of Fame inducted Jim in 2024. The next year Billie Jean King presented him with the prestigious National Novo Nordisk Donnelly Award at the 2025 U.S. Open, recognizing his work as a tennis coach while living with the challenges of diabetes.

Throughout his tennis career, Jim coached dozens of District and State players, several elite nationally ranked players, and thousands of youth at various clubs and camps. He was Head Coach and Director for USTA NJTL Invitational Tennis Camp for 15 years and the WTT USTA Middle States Junior National Coach for 7 years, winning the Maureen Connolly Brinker Award twice, the Dick Green Community Service Award, and various USTA district awards, such as Teaching Professional of the Year.

Jim was Head Tennis Coach at Franklin and Marshall College (1993-2000) garnering numerous achievements. He was a USTA Middle States Section Zonal Coach for six years, with his team winning every year he coached.

For the past 28 years, Jim served Lancaster Country Day School as a gifted educator, devoted teacher, coach, and mentor where he shaped young minds and hearts. Phipps was known for his genuine care and kindness, often greeting students with enthusiasm during school drop-offs, making them feel special and seen. He invested deeply in his students, offering words of encouragement and support, and was revered by his students and peers. His impact on the school community was profound, and his passion for teaching, tennis, and music inspired countless students. Phipps led the Lancaster Country Day School boys' and girls' teams, producing seven state champions and several state finalists.

To those in the blues music community, he was known as "Jimmy Blue," a passionate harmonica player, singer, performer, and band leader. He loved to share memories of childhood summers spent soaking in the deep blues at his Aunt Nan's home in Newton, Georgia, where his grandmother, Candace V. Washington-Phipps also lived. He especially enjoyed playing in Chicago and sharing the stage with many legendary greats like Magic Slim, James Cotton, Lee Oskar, Steve Guyger, Guitar Shorty, Linsey Alexander, John Lee Hooker, Jr., Bryan Lee, Johnny Winter, and The Nighthawks.

Jim fronted the band Blue Light Special which the public voted in 2012 winner of the first Tri-State Indie Music Award for the Best Blues Band of the Year. Shortly after that he stepped away from the blues world for over a decade to devote his time to his family.

With his children grown, he recently returned with a very talented new band, Jimmy Blue and the Jilted Playboys playing in the community at local music venues and often donating their services to local fundraisers.

Jim wanted to put on one more show. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Gardner Theater at The Lancaster Country Day School 725 Hamilton Road Lancaster, PA 17603 on Saturday August 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Following the Memorial Service a gathering will be held at the school from 2:00-4:00 PM where Jim's fellow musicians and band members will play some of his favorite music for all to enjoy.

An additional service is pending in Philadelphia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be made to Lancaster Country Day School online at The Jim Phipps Memorial Tennis and Music Fund. Checks can also be mailed to the school at 725 Hamilton Road Lancaster, PA 17603. Or to Music For Everyone, 42 N. Prince St. Lancaster, PA 17603, https://musicforeveryone.org/donate/.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes 717.560.5100.

To send online condolences and to share memories with the family please visit Jim's obituary page at SnyderFuneralHome.com.