Inducted on September 22, 1974
James Eugene De Filippis was born September 6, 1909. Raised in Bernardsville, the quiet well liked Jimmy began boxing as an amateur in 1928. Making his pro debut the same year, as Jimmy Phillips, in the Morristown Armory, he scored a K. O. victory. Known as the Bernardsville Bomber, Jimmy a devastating hitter, won 17 bouts in a row via the knockout route, among them a 11 second first round kayo, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1933-’34, he was rated in the top ten in the welterweight division, while meeting the likes of Paulie Walker, Joey Harrison, Bucky Jones, Joe Glick, Bep Van Klavern, and Baby Joe Gans. Was ranked as the Welterweight Champion of New Jersey in 1934. In 137 fights, spanning 8 years, Jimmy won 120, losing only 17, by decisions and a foul, never having been knocked out.
Retiring from the ring, Jimmy has served as Personal Consultant for several large Corporations, and as a civic leader, with the Morristown Recreation Commission, and a member of the Morristown Board of Alderman. At present he is actively engaged as Project Inspector in the Morristown Urban Renewal Program.
Jimmy always a colorful figure, idol of everyone in Bernardsville, lives with his wife, daughter and two sons, in Morristown, New Jersey.
Boxing Record: Jimmy Phillips