John S. Phillips

“Jack,” as most people called him, attended Broad Ripple High School and Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. He served in the United States Navy in the Pacific during the World War II and the Korean War. He began a 40-year career with the JC Penny Company in Indianapolis, Indiana that led to managing numerous stores throughout Michigan and Wisconsin. He was the recipient of many outstanding awards by the company including “The Presidents Cup Award” and “The Chairman’s Award of Excellence.” He was very active in the Rotary Club and was a sponsor of 4H Clubs. In several cities, he presided as the president of the community’s Retail Association and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce. He retired from the company in 1987 and moved to Lakeland, Florida, and subsequently to Tequesta, Florida, then finally to Alpharetta, Georgia.

Among his hobbies and activities were singing and playing the organ. He was also an avid golfer of 75 years and always laughed at the fact that he rarely outscored his wives, who were both club champions. He was quick with a joke and generous with his laughter.

He is preceded in death by his siblings Robert W. Phillips, Wendell D. Phillips, Mary L. Moore, and Gwendolyn L. Nieman, as well as his wife of 51 years, Marilyn J. Phillips, and his second wife of 13 years, Ruth Crandall Phillips.

He is survived by youngest brother, William “Andy” Phillips, his son, John L. Phillips, and granddaughter, Kristin Phillips Crock.

Jack was kind and generous to everyone he met and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He will be entombed at the Field of Valor in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Thank you to all our friends and family for your loving support.