WNPC And Cocke County Lose Chopper

The WNPC family suffered a huge loss this week, and Cocke County lost one its most familiar voices. Jim Phillips, known to everyone as Chopper passed away Tuesday afternoon at the Turkey Creek Medical Center in Knoxville. Chopper began a career in radio in 1970 and became morning man for WNPC in 1983. A longtime fan of racing, which included being a member of L.D. Ottinger’s pit crew, Chopper was hired by the Motor Racing Network in 1988 becoming the lead pit reporter and host of the nationally syndicated radio show NASCAR USA. Chopper was a longtime sales associate at WNPC along with his wife of 24 years, Johnnie Sue. In September of 2020, WNPC hosted an anniversary special celebrating Chopper’s 50 years in broadcasting. Jim Phillips was 75.

Visitation is from 4-7pm Friday at West End Baptist Church in Newport with the funeral to follow. Burial will be Saturday at 1pm at Union Cemetery in Newport. You can read the full obituary for Chopper Phillips at manesfuneralhome.com.