John Phillips

John Phillips was born on February 28, 1943 in Philadelphia, Missouri to Bill and Betty (Wiseman) Phillips.  The family came to Union when he was a child where John was raised and educated.  After graduating from Union High School he entered the U.S. Navy and served during Vietnam aboard the USS Okanogan.  While he was home on leave he married Glennis Jean Fahsholtz on her family’s ranch outside of Union.  They lived in Pendleton, La Grande and Union before moving to Garibaldi where John worked on a fishing boat which he later Captained before returning to Union where they spent the remainder of their lives.  John worked as the parts manager for Eagle Truck & Machine until his retirement.  Glennis preceded him in death in 2020 after 54 years of marriage.

John enjoyed the outdoors, both the mountains and the coast.  In his later years he  became proficient in handiwork arts and crafts, putting his special personal touch on each.  He was very active in the organization: Forest Access For All.

Surviving relatives include his children George Phillips of Summerville, Kathy Phillips of Boise; 9 grandchildren including Stephanie Phillips, Zack Phillips, Kayla Dolby, Tyson Dolby, Liz Douglass; several great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Wayne Fahsholtz of Wyoming, sisters-in-law Pat Boothman of La Grande and Jacque Fahsholtz of Idaho; many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter Melissa Michele and a son Joe.

John died Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at his home in Union at the age of 81.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Forest Access For All, in care of Stephanie Phillips at 753 N. Gale St., Union, OR  97883

Online condolences may be left on John’s tribute page at www.danielsknopp.com