Jack M Phillips

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Milton Phillips in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 3, 2023. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and entrepreneur.

Jack was born on June 18, 1936 in Durant, Oklahoma to John G. and Josephine Phillips. The family later moved to Coalgate, Oklahoma where Jack sometimes felt his life mirrored Opie’s and The Andy Griffith Show; the son of the small town’s sheriff. The family eventually moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he played football and graduated from Washington High School. Jack never lost the love for his high school and many friends who he kept in touch with over the years. Until his passing, Jack was the founder, editor and publisher of his high school’s online alumni newsletter for classes of the 1950’s (Orange and Black).

He graduated from the University of South Dakota and afterwards served as Executive Manager for the Chamber of Commerce in Worland, Wyoming. He later opened a dude ranch in Worland and in 1965, Jack accepted a position as Chamber of Commerce Manager in Turlock, California where he was involved with the creation of what would eventually become a 10-day Western celebration centered around a 3-day rodeo. In 1965, he produced a weekly, syndicated television program called “Rodeo USA”, where he filmed and broadcasted rodeos on location all over the U.S. That same year, Jack was named CCA’s (California Cowboys Association’s), Steer Wrestling Champion of the Year.

In 1969, he and his wife, Marilyn Jane Frandsen, started “Candy Straw Hats”, a western straw hat manufacturing company which was an instant success and their hats were available in every western store in the U.S. Jack and Marilyn welcomed 3 children. Marilyn passed away in 1998. Jack was a rodeo cowboy for many years but slowed down a bit in 1973 due to his numerous injuries (67 broken bones!)

Jack ran two saddle manufacturing companies in Chattanooga, Tennessee and later opened a nightclub in Turlock, California called “The Sports Page”: (discotheque). For 44 years, he also owned and operated a nightclub in Modesto, California he named “Crocodiles” (nightclub) which was part of a larger shopping center. Later, he purchased the remaining space and renamed it all “Phillips Plaza”.

Jack is survived by his wife, Debra Davey Phillips, daughters Jacquelyn Jo Phillips and Laurie Phillips Ciglar (David), son Guy Phillips (Martha) and had four grandchildren: Danica Ciglar, Krista Ciglar Gott (Ryan), Larry Voigt and Jack Phillips. He also had two great grandchildren, Cody Ciglar and Lawson Gott.

Jack loved driving on the town in his 1986 Excalibur convertible with Debra by his side. The two felt so blessed to love each other and be able to attend concerts and shows in Las Vegas, travel abroad, play cards with friends and go on cruises. He was loved, admired, and considered a best friend by so many. Jack truly was a role model who taught us to enjoy our own lives by his character, positive attitude and willingness to help others. The life lessons he shared made us all better people. He focused on achieving big goals in life by dreaming on what he could accomplish with his many talents. Without question, Jack lived his best life!

Jack’s family is preparing a celebration of his life at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s honor can be made to Washington High School Athletic Department, 501 N. Sycamore, Sioux Falls, SD 57110 c/o: Nate Malchow, Activities Assistant Principal.