Jeffrey Phillips

Jeffrey Neal Phillips

January 3, 1950 – April 14, 2021

In Akron, Ohio on January 3, 1950, Emile Jane and Wendell Phillips welcomed Jeffrey into the family three minutes before his identical twin.  Their unique relationship was always a major part of their life’s story which was shared, with laughter and love, at every family gathering.

With the Peace Corps as his goal, he graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and served in Sierra Leone, 1973-75

Jeff brought passion and compassion to each of his life’s roles, gifting him lasting friendships, peer respect and the love of his family.

He married Darlene Harder in 1983. Eventually, they adopted two children, Jenna and Kevin who from the moment he saw them, became his greatest passion. He gave unconditional love a new meaning.

His mission for teaching brought him to Grand Junction where he served at Fruitvale and Clifton Elementary, Gateway School, and Columbus/Dos Rios Elementary as principal for 19 years.

In 1999, he married Jo Lynn, settling in a home in Whitewater where the sounds of Kannah Creek lulled them to sleep.

When a battle with cancer resulted in a difficult decision to retire, Jeff and Jo Lynn took the opportunity to travel. They loaded their dogs and cats into a small motorhome (VanGo), visited their mothers, family and friends and discovered the healing powers of the beach.  Venice Beach, Cape Cod, the Gulf Coast all provided the peaceful, carefree respite they were seeking.

During this time, Jeff continued to be both teacher and student as he immersed himself in the game of bridge.  He achieved the rank of Bronze Life Master in March 2021. He taught New Dimension’s bridge classes and co-founded the Gland Slam Bridge Club.

His greatest adventure was beyond his wildest dreams and arrived with granddaughter, Riley Marie Music. Their time together laughing, playing and loving, will secure the memories of “Papa” in our hearts forever.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jo Lynn; daughter, Jenna (Casey Schuler); son, Kevin Phillips; granddaughter, Riley Marie Music; sister Wendy; brothers, Michael, Russell, Scott and David, his twin; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Donations to support the D51 Foundation’s Angel Lunch Fund program can be made at https://www.trailblz.info/district51/eventcomplete.aspx?eventid=27

A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.