John E. Phillips, III

John E. Phillips III went to heaven April 14, 2013 in Houston, Texas, after a brief battle with liver cancer. John was born July 27, 1936 to John E. Phillips Jr. and Patricia Caldwell Phillips. He was born in Waco, Texas, where as a young man he enjoyed car racing and competing in the Regional Golden Glove Boxing Tournaments. He graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas and earned a B.S. in Finance and Marketing from Baylor University. John started his career with Crawford & Company in Houston and was there for nine years before being transferred to the Virgin Islands. He eventually opened his own firm, “Caribbean Claims Services.” John enjoyed 22 exciting years of island life. His love of people and animals and his sense of humor was know island wide, and his love of the water had him sailing from island to island on the weekends on his boat, Papillion. John worked just as hard as he played. He was a true entrepreneur with an industrious, hard working spirit. He even rebuilt his home overlooking Magen’s Bay after surviving Hurricane Hugo in 1989. But after Hurricane Hortense in 1991, he gave up island life for country life, and bought a farm in Bellville, Texas to be closer to his sons and grandchildren. He began helping other victims of hurricanes and natural disasters through his work at FEMA. Transitioning from island life to country life in Bellville proved easy enough, as he enjoyed growing a garden, cutting hay, and being a part of the Historical Society’s Friday night socials. John appreciated living his last years in the Bellville Community.

John loved his life on the pavement as much as he did the water. Harley Davidsons and old cars were his favorite. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and going to car shows with his sons and taking his grandchildren for rides in his 1932 Ford Roadster . He was a member of the Houston Roadsters Hot Rod Club. John loved anything with wheels.

Whether on the water, the pavement, the ski slopes, or in the air flying planes, John’s adventurous spirit, quick wit and charming blue eyes will be remembered by the many friends he collected throughout his life.

John is preceded in death by his son, John Emery, affectionately known as “Little John,” brother, E.B. (Butch), and his parents.

He is survived by his ex-wife Patricia Jackoskie Jones, son William (Bill) T. Phillips and grandchildren, Travis, Tara and Dianna Phillips. “Papa John” loved them very much.

“Johnny” will be greatly missed by his friend of more than 40 years and his loving companion for more than 20, Amy Linton. He will be lovingly remembered by his extended family, Delaney, Darcey, Lynn & Donny Holender and feel blessed and honored for the loving role he played in their lives.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, April 17th at 10:00 a.m. in Oakwood Cemetery, Waco, Texas. A memorial service celebrating John’s life, was held in the chapel of Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road, Houston, Texas 77055, on Saturday, April 20th at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in the name of John E. Phillips to The Cal Farley Boys Ranch, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center or the Houston Humane Society.

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