James “Daryl” Phillips, 78, of Mobile, Alabama, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Mobile Infirmary Hospital.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Mobile at 11:30 a.m.  The family will receive friends for a time of visitation before the service which begins at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be at a later date.

Daryl was born on May 5, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Albert and Edna Phillips. The youngest of 5 kids, he had 3 sisters and a brother who were not just siblings, but lifelong friends.

He graduated from Reavis High School in 1962.  After high school Daryl attended community college and spent 2 years serving our country in the US Army Special Services Band.

After high school until 2014, Daryl pursued music and formed or joined multiple bands; The Shadows, The Jill Scott IV, World of Blues, Tribute, Jubilation and The Grand Band, to name a few.  He was privileged to perform with Percy Sledge here in Mobile.

On December 1, 1979, he married the love of his life, Sandy Roberts McLain, with whom he raised their beloved son, Flynn.  Over the years Daryl worked various jobs but his true love and talent was performing.  Playing his saxophones, flute and singing all across the country with multiple bands, Daryl was the definition of a true entertainer.

After retirement Daryl spent as much time as he could on the golf course.  There was nothing he enjoyed more than playing a round of golf with his son.  Thanks to the persistence of his adoring wife, he was able to attend The Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club with his son in 2014. 

Survivors include his wife, Sandy; and son, Flynn (Julie Beck) McLain; brother-in-law, Scott (Mariena) Roberts; sister-in-law, Stephanie (Bo) Argiro; and his mother-in-law, Elizabeth (Betty) Roberts, that he considered an extra ‘Sis’.  He was blessed with multiple nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews and great- great nieces/nephews that he in kept in contact with through the present.

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents, Albert & Edna Phillips; sisters, Maxine (Larry) Adams, Marge (Ed) Hnilica and Marilynn (Dick) Kolar; and brother, Bob (Trudy) Phillips.

The family would like to thank all the medical professionals at UAB and especially the exemplary care of the staff at Mobile Infirmary.  Their dedication and skill gave Daryl more time with us, something for which we will always be grateful.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church of Mobile at https://www.continuetogive.com/4892231/donation_prompt or to the Cancer Research Institute at www.cancerresearch.org

Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.