East Northport, NY-James Phillips, 77, of East Northport, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2017 at Huntington Hospital in Huntington, NY after a long battle with Multiple System Atrophy. He handled his condition both stoically and selflessly saying  " You have to deal with the cards you are dealt." He accepted being in a wheelchair and just wanted the comfort of his home and his family and always a good meal.

Jim was born April 16, 1939 in Cambridge and was the son of the late Edmund and Elbertine (Clark) Phillips. He taught mathematics and computer science at Walt Whitman High School in Huntington, NY for 36 years where he touched many lives and students are still in touch to this day. Jim treated them with selfless kindness and respect and they knew he truly cared. He would do anything for anyone in need. JIm also coached basketball for many years and loved sports, mainly baseball and particularly the Red Sox. He was signed by the Dodgers for a brief period after high school but went back to school and received his teaching degree from New York State Teachers College at Oneonta in1960.

Jim enjoyed skiing, playing golf, swimming and sitting by the pool.  Jim often traveled to Boston to watch the Red Sox games and visit the city.

Jim is survived by his wife of 44 years, Joan Gentile Phillips who he met while teaching; a daughter, Marietta Phillips of Anchorage, AK who was always an essential part of his life.  Jim also leaves behind his 2 brothers, John "Jack" (Pat) Phillips and Ed (Gail) Phillips, both of Salem and nieces and nephews.

Jim was a faithful and loving husband and a caring father who continually supported his daughter to give her the best love and opportunities.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Holy Cross Church, 249 Main St., Salem.

Interment will take place at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery in Salem.

There will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jim made be made to the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition by visiting their website at www.crowdrise.com/InMemoryofourMSAAngels