John, "Jerry" Phillips, age 86, passed away Thursday, January 17, 2019, in Henderson, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born September 1, 1932, in Los Angeles, and was the only son of Alice and John F. Phillips.
Jerry was a hard worker from the beginning, getting his first paper route at age nine to pay his own way through Catholic school. At age 18, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and spent the next 22 years being a proud and dedicated Marine, including serving as an MGySgt. He loved his country and the Corp until his very last day.
Home for a short leave in 1952 he met Iris, who also happened to be his best friend Bill's sister. Iris apprehensively agreed to go out on a date with him. Iris thought he was egotistical and sarcastic, but she softened for him and very soon after they married November 11, 1952, which was also Iris' 17th birthday. Iris and Jerry spent 63 wonderful years together until Iris' death in 2015. They were best friends and wonderful examples for their children and everyone who knew them.
After his retirement from the Marines, Jerry and Iris relocated from Oregon to Las Vegas to work for Clark County Pretrial Services. It was there he celebrated his second retirement after serving Clark County in this position for more than 20 years.
Jerry certainly was not all work and no play. At age 40 he became an avid runner and bicyclist, entering many marathons and long distance bike rides, even riding his bike to work at the jail most days. At the age of 70, and fully retired, Jerry spent his time traveling, enjoying his great-grandchildren and volunteering for the Metropolitan Police Department.
Jerry and Iris had three children, Kathleen Phillips-Arnold of Springfield, OR, Theresa Phillips (deceased), and Kevin Phillips of Las Vegas. Later in life they adopted their grandchildren, Jon David Phillips, of Portland, and Nicole Phillips-Cortney of Henderson.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Iris; and daughter, Theresa.
He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Arnold; son, Kevin (Sara) Phillips; grandchildren, Jon Phillips, Nicole (Chris) Cortney, Gaston (Tiffani) Arnold, Evan (Kristen) Arnold, Shalee (TJ) Johnson, Lacey (Alex) Shaia and Cristian Lechuga; and great-grandchildren, Ariana, Kennedy, Carson, Tyler, Fawn, Cali, Quinn, Hazel, Deegan, Idris and Ruby.
Services will be held at 4:00pm on Friday, January 25, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89123. A reception to follow at the Cortney home.
Jerry's quick wit and dry humor were his best qualities. He made an impression on anyone he met. His quiet tenderness and strength were legendary to his family and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
