James “Phil” Suffridge, 61 of Independence, MO passed away Thursday, February 25, 2021 at his home and kept his sense of humor to the end. Phil was born September 24, 1959 in Knoxville, TN to James L. and Joyce (Mynatt) Suffridge. He spent his early life in Knoxville where he graduated from Vangilder Vocational high school in 1978 before relocating to Independence. He was married to Lisa Bingaman, his soul mate, in 1993 until her passing in 2015. Phil had numerous positions at IBS Sheltered Workshop, where he was awarded Employee of The Year several times. He retired from the workshop to care for Lisa when she became ill. He enjoyed artwork and coloring, watching westerns and MASH, he enjoyed dancing, thrift store shopping and doing Word Find Puzzles. He was also an expert on the Beatles and collected all sorts of memorabilia; his knowledge of Beatles history was unmatched. He enjoyed dressing up for Halloween and won awards for his costumes. He was a kind man who was very giving and wanted everyone around him to be comfortable, even to his own fault. He showed how to live for others instead of one’s self and had the ability make light of any situation. He had an infectious belly laugh, he was a humble fighter, the best listener, and was fiercely loyal and protective. He loved food and gave the buffet’s a work-out and was always the last one to leave the table. Phil was also a man of faith who would read the Bible daily. He was a proud member of Heart of America Ministries, Phil helped with property management, construction, raking leaves, assisted during church services and activities. He volunteered his time at Harvester’s loading food boxes into vehicles and had been known as the “Harvester’s King”. He enjoyed birthday parties, attending nieces and nephew’s games and was always ready to watch a movie. Survivors include a sister, Jaye Jones, a nephew Zane Jones and Bethany Morrison, niece Morgan Newport and her husband Nick; great nieces and nephews, Jaci Newport, Leighla Jones and Kade Jones, former brother-in-law Edgar Jones, Phil is also survived by his in-laws. Ron and Lu Bingaman, whose home he shared, as well as sister-in-law Liz Shannon and brother-in-law Jon Bingaman, nephew Colin Villanueva and furry feline Frank. He was preceded in death by his wife Lisa, his parents, grandparents, JP and Mae Mynatt and pet cats Binker and Pepper. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 2:00, Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m., until service time Saturday at the chapel. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Greenwood Cemetery in Knoxville, TN. Donations may be made in his name to Harvester’s Food Pantry.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)