James K. "Jimbo" Phelan, 51, of Palmerton, formerly of Phillipsburg, died upon arrival at Warren Hospital after being stricken at his mother's home in Phillipsburg on Friday, May 23, 2003.

He was an inspector with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for 17 years.

Born November 29, 1951, he was the son of the former Margaret E. "Peg" Kane of Phillipsburg and the late Thomas D. Phelan.

Jim played basketball and football when he attended Phillipsburg Catholic High School and was on the football team when they were undefeated during the 1968-69 school year. He later served as an assistant coach for the Holy Name Saints Girl's Basketball team and regularly participated in the annual Eddie Mast Basketball Scholarship fund raiser.

After graduating high school, Jim attended Northampton County Community College and East Stroudsburg University.

Jim will be remembered as a warm, generous and humorous person who loved life, his family and his friends. As one who admired reading about W.C. Fields, Jim had a unique ability to tell jokes, funny stories and was always a big part of "family game nights".

In addition to his mother, Jim is survived by a son, Daniel T. of Alpha; a daughter, Allyson M. of Phillipsburg; three sisters, Ann Kerr and Joan M., both of Allentown and Ellen Smyser of Union Twp., N.J.; a nephew, several nieces and a companion, Kim Flowers, with whom he resided.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday in the Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 South Main St., Phillipsburg. Deacon John Flynn will officiate the services. Burial will be in the Fairmount Cemetery, Phillipsburg. The family will receive friends and relatives Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the funeral home. Online condolences may be submitted at www.noto-wynkoop.com.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Firth Youth Center, 108 Anderson St., Phillipsburg, N.J. 08865. Funds received will provide free membership to area youth in memory of Jim.