Obituary of James M. McPhillips

James M. (Jim) McPhillips, 76, of Troy, NY, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, with his family at his bedside.

Jim was born in Glens Falls to Michael & Alice McPhillips (nee Buckley) on January 4, 1950. He spent his early years in North Creek before the family moved to Glens Falls following the early death of his father. He went to St. Mary’s Academy & was a proud member of the class of 1968. He earned a BA from Fordham University, later pursuing a fulfilling 30-year career as a funeral director in NYC. After moving to the Capitol District in 1998, Jim found his second calling as an RN at AMC Psych Unit E2 until retiring in 2015. Jim enjoyed all types of sports. He was an avid fan of the Yankees, Giants, & March Madness, following sports daily in the NY Post. Skiing was a favorite pastime as was playing wiffle ball and tossing the ball (any ball) with grandkids, nieces, nephews & extended family. Jim treasured close family ties & friendships all his life.

Jim’s primary focus & the light of his life from the day she was born was his daughter, Kate. Their time together included numerous trips to Disney World, annual visits to camp at Saranac with extended family, cheering on the Yankees at the stadium & innumerable visits to keep connected with both sides of Kate’s family. As Kate was prepared to graduate from high school, Jim was blessed to meet Pat, his wife of 33 years. They met in Inwood. She shared her connections to the funeral home, Good Shepherd & the Inwood and later Washington Heights communities. He shared his love of the North Country, Disney, sports, the NY Post & most importantly his cherished relationships with family & longtime friends. They built a beautiful life together. Jim’s favorite memories include times spent together with Kate, Ray & their grandchildren Ryan & Lauren. He especially enjoyed sharing his love of Disney with his grandkids. Once retired, Jim and Pat delighted in sharing wonderful Christmas celebrations with the Devito family as well as Kate’s mother, Cathy, sister Irene, Kate’s MIL, Rina & extended Florida family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia (nee Kebba), daughter Katie “Kate” Devito (Ray) of Florida, grandchildren Ryan & Lauren, his siblings Mary Mahoney (Troy), Jean McPhillips (Glens Falls), many nieces/nephews, & great nieces/nephews. In addition to his mother and father, Jim was predeceased by his sister, Ann Boehm & brothers in-law Brian Boehm & Bob Mahoney.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 4PM-7PM at Sanvidge Funeral Home 565 Fourth Avenue, Troy 12182.  Funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:30AM on Tuesday, April 7 at St. Anthony of Padua Church 28 State Street, Troy. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy. 

Memorial donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Children’s Hospital at Albany Med or Tunnels to Towers Foundation. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Staff at Samaritan Hospital, Stephanie Blakey FNP, Robin Connolly FNP, & Jim’s care team from Community Hospice. We are most appreciative of the Beechwood Staff & Community Members & caregivers Kayla, Marley & Amanda.