Jack Phillips Obituary

John Samuel "Jack" Phillips, 96, husband of Joan Carol Mathisen for 71 years, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Mr. Phillips was born in Brooklyn, NY to the late John Kitchener Phillips and Melina Victoria Anstey Phillips. He was a Korean War veteran of the US Army and retired as an electrical engineer from the Long Island Power Authority. Jack was an alumnus of Brooklyn College and the Polytechnic Institute of New York. He was a member of Five Forks Baptist Church. Jack was a gifted athlete in basketball and tennis. He enjoyed sports, camping and cross-country travel. Jack was an interested historian and was very proud of his Newfoundland family heritage. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons, Dr. John Phillips with wife Patty, and Dr. Ron Phillips with wife Linda; and five grandchildren, John A. Phillips, Christine Phillips, Jake Phillips, Melina Phillips, and Zach Phillips. He was predeceased by a sister, Beth Puglici. A celebration of Jack's life will begin at 12 noon Saturday at Five Forks Baptist Church. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Burial, with military honors, will be in the church cemetery. Memorials in Jack's honor may be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607; or online at or https://www.samaritanspurse.org/donation-items/repair-a-cleft-lip/.