Mr. John (Jack) Edward Phillips II, a retired retail executive, born Nov. 4, 1932, passed away peacefully after a brief illness in Newport News on Jan. 29, 2025.
He was born in Belle Haven and preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years, Barbara Phillips, who passed on Sept. 21, 2024; his father, Fred Kellam Phillips; his mother, Winnie Davis Sturgis Phillips, his sister, Emma Phillips Smith; and his brothers, Fred Kellam Phillips Jr., and Hilton Brooks Phillips.
He is survived by his three daughters, Deborah Hope Phillips Bank and her husband, Martin E. Bank, Susan Phillips, and Karen Phillips Kirby and her husband, Steven L. Kirby; his grandsons, John Thomas Steele Jr. and his wife, Lynn Steele, Jon-Michael Tyler Bowman and his wife, Jessica Burton, Jeffery Allan Moore Jr., and Kyle Edward McCloud and his wife, Tori McCloud; his great-grandchildren, Alana Hope Steele, Drake Thomas Steele, Landon Chase Michael Bowman, Liam James Bowman, and Lochland Jahn Bowman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack’s devotion to his family was the number one priority in his life. Jack grew up loving sports and was a good athlete, which enabled him to be offered several invitations to try out for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He went on to coach his three daughters in the City of Newport News’ women’s softball league, starting out in the D-league division and working their way to A-league.
He loved to play golf and followed his favorite Major League Baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, and his favorite football team, the Washington Commanders. Jack and Barbara enjoyed their many travels through the United States and abroad.
From the age of 45, he was diagnosed with heart disease, requiring three open heart bypass surgeries and numerous heart stents, along with other health conditions.
In appreciation for the medical professionals and one special physician, Dr. Alan Banks, and the lifesaving services performed by his medical physicians, nurses, and hospitals, along with the advancements in medical research and treatments, Jack wanted to give back to further medical research and training by becoming a Virginia Anatomical Donor, leaving his body in the care of the State Anatomical Program in Richmond.
Funeral services will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
