John William Phillips

John William Phillips, affectionately known as Jack, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the age of 94. He was the beloved husband of Shirley Phillips, with whom he shared a remarkable 70-year marriage.

A graveside service will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Llano East Cemetery's "Field of Freedom" in Amarillo, Texas, with Fr. Avitus Siriwa of St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral officiating. Following the service, the family invites friends to join them for a celebration of John's life at a luncheon from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at St. Mary's on Washington Street.

Born on December 27, 1929, in Poultney, Vermont, John was the youngest of twelve siblings. He was the son of Jan (Filips) and Rosalia (Smyrska) Phillips, Polish immigrants who arrived in America from Austria in 1908. John graduated from Poultney High School in 1947 and pursued higher education before joining the U.S. Air Force, where he served with distinction. After attending Officers Candidate School in San Antonio, he met and fell in love with Shirley Newton while stationed in Harlingen, TX. They were married by the Justice of the Peace in Sinton, Texas, on November 28, 1953, and then celebrated their union with a church ceremony at the Catholic Church on December 8, 1953.

Throughout his military career, John was stationed across the United States, including Sacramento, CA, Jacksonville, AR, and Bossier City, LA. He served as a navigator on B-47 bombers and B-52s, and his career took him to the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA, followed by a year of service in Vietnam with the Air Force Intelligence Agency. His service in the Air Force continued in Hawaii, Michigan, and ultimately at Cannon AFB in Clovis, NM, where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 30 years of service.

After retiring from the military, John pursued his passion for education by earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Eastern New Mexico University. His commitment to his community continued as he served on the board of the Cannon AFB Credit Union, including a term as president. John was deeply involved with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, dedicating his time to various roles such as delivering Meals on Wheels, working in the clothing pantry, singing in the choir, and managing church finances. His love for music was evident as he was often heard singing and humming hymns, reflecting his deep faith and joy. John was also an avid golfer and a savvy investor. He deeply enjoyed his time on the golf course, believed in walking the course, and shared this passion with his sons and grandsons. John was actively engaged in the stock market, making astute investments and always spending wisely.

John's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley, and their seven children: Patricia Peron (Ron), John Phillips (Dee), Michael Phillips (Sandy), Mary Irwin (Larry), Cindy Peters (John), James Phillips, and Jerrie Phillips (Deanna). He also leaves behind a cherished legacy of 21 grandchildren including Robert Peron (Nancy), David Peron, Mandy Turner (Josh), Kellie Gardner (Billy), John Phillips (Izzy), Jacklynn Fulp (Shannon), Timothy Phillips (Sodarika), Meghan Cohn (Zac), Jarratt Irwin (Lindsay), Tanner Irwin (Kalea), Kelsey Rome (Chase), Trey Peters, Shannon Bonner, Libbie LaMay (Brett), Alyssa Peters, Hooper Phillips (Allie), Max Phillips, Jamie Kristine Paiz, Sydney Hanner (Jason), Bailey Jimenez (Victor), and Jake Phillips (Courtney) and 33 great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. His family called him "the baby whisperer."

John is preceded in death by his parents, six sisters, and four brothers. He is survived by his sister, Frankie Forrester of Hollis, NH.

John William Phillips leaves behind a profound legacy of love, dedication, and service to his family, community, and country. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.