of Little Rock, AR

May 17, 1949 - September 9, 2025

James Phillip Malcom was welcomed into his heavenly home on September 9, 2025 due to complications from dementia that he had battled for a number of years. Phil was lovingly surrounded by his family and caregivers. He was born on May 7, 1949 in Hot Springs, AR to Oveta and C.G. ''Tommy'' Malcom.

Phil was predeceased by his lovely wife Catherine Walker Malcom. He is survived by their daughters Elisabeth Malcom Culbreath (Jeremy) of North Little Rock, Anne Malcom Gardner (Eric) of Little Rock and grandchildren Mack Heid, Mia Heid, Bennett Gardner and Walker Gardner. He is also survived by his adoring sister, Mary Anne Malcom Cupp (Cecil) of Hot Springs and nieces Lauren Cupp Feilke and Catherine Cupp Lucas.

Phil graduated from Hot springs High School in 1967 where he was president of the student body and was voted ''outstanding senior boy'' by his peers. He attended Arkansas Boy's State where he was elected a US senator. Phil received two competitive senatorial appointments to the US Naval Academy but was unable to attend because of a minor vision defect.

Phil then attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and was elected UofA student body president. He obtained his BSBA with honors in 1972. He remained at Fayetteville and completed his MBA with honors in 1973. Since grade school, Phil dreamed of being a lawyer. He attended Law School at Southern Methodist University where he obtained a JD with honors in 1975.

Phil moved to Little Rock, joining the Friday, Eldredge and Clark Law Firm as an associate. He focused on medical malpractice defense and became a partner in the firm in 1980. He continued as a distinguished member of the firm until leaving in December of 2004. Phil joined Kutak Rock as a partner in January 2005 where he led the group in medical malpractice defense.

In 2010 he formed the Malcom Law Firm, with an exclusive focus on medical malpractice defense. Phil continued law practice at the firm until his retirement in 2018. His practice spanned 43 years. In that time, Phil only lost a single case at trial.

In 1978 he married the beautiful love of his life, Catherine Walker. She was a blessing to Phil for 46 years until her death in 2024. Cathie was his partner and support as they raised two beautiful daughters and was manager of the Malcom Law Firm.

Phil's faith was always important to him. He and Cathie were proud to be among the earliest members of Fellowship Bible Church.

Phil had a brilliant mind and amazing memory. He was the definition of an unbelievably hard worker whatever the task. His diligence and work ethic were unmatched. Phil's energy seemed boundless. He left no stone unturned in a legal case.

Phil was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He adored his daughters Lissa and Anne, who were the apple of his eye. Phil treasured donut Saturdays, family trips and weekends. He loved to take them shopping for anything and everything, especially clothes. If either daughter ever called him, he would drop everything to be there for them. Lissa and Anne thought he hung the moon. Phil was Pops to his grandchildren who he loved with every piece of his heart. He was so very proud that his first grandson would carry his name, Malcom. He loved to spoil his grandchildren with candy and stuffed animals and was one of the best Pop's out there.

Phil loved the Razorbacks. The day that his season tickets came in the mail was one of the highlights of the year for him. Phil took Cathie and his girls to every game that he could. Phil delighted in teaching all the grandchildren to ''Call the Hogs''.

Phil was an avid white-water rafter! For 40+ years he planned annual rafting trips to the best rivers in the USA. Close friends and doctors that he worked with were the lucky participants. As everyone got older, Phil and Cathie planned wonderful but less rugged trips with couples and families to interesting places around the world such as Costa Rica, New Zealand, France, Spain and Alaska. These were some of his treasured memories. Phil took pleasure in driving his Porsche and took pride in being well dressed whatever the occasion.

Phil was an amazing man who approached life with an unbelievable energy and enthusiasm. He was an above and beyond human being who simply loved life, family, his profession and made his friends feel valued. He truly was a one in a million guy; always a smile and kind word. Phil left a wonderful legacy.

Phil spent his last two years at Hospice Comfort Care where he was loved by everyone there. Phil would get the biggest smile when he saw his favorite person, Stacy. She cared for and spoiled Phil every day. made sure he always had the perfect haircut and all the candy he wanted. Because Phil was so loved and taken care of, the family would appreciate, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice Comfort Care through their foundation, Tribute of Life.

Tribute of Life Foundation of Hospice Home Care
hospicehomecare.com/tribute-of-life-foundation

Visitation, Friday, October 10, 2025 from 5 to 7pm at Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock
Memorial Service Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 10am Fellowship Bible Church1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock
Interment, Riverwood Memorial Gardens, 301 Carnahan Drive, Maumelle, Arkansas

 

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