Jerry Lane Phillips Jr's Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jerry Lane Phillips Jr. on January 11, 2025 at the University of Utah Hospital where upon his passing he was given honorary police recognition for having once served as a police officer.
Jerry was born June 17, 1962, in Joliet, Illinois, to Betty Coates and Jerry Phillips Sr.
Jerry was a loving, caring son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and cherished friend.
Jerry graduated from the University of Southern Colorado (USC). He was a sheriff's deputy in Ulysses, Kansas, from 1985 to 1995. Jerry also worked as an independent contractor in the construction trade. He also drew plans for the construction of hydroponic fodder for thousands of laboratories in 49 countries that used this method for growing plants in a water-based nutrient environment, which were produced for livestock and other animals. Also, Jerry was the Director of the Colorado Boys Ranch.
Jerry was a very intelligent man and a passionate entrepreneur; creating and innovating new businesses was his passion, and because of this, he traveled all over the country and Australia, where he made good friends.
Jerry lived in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Australia and Colorado for most of his adult life, and in Utah for the last 16 years.
While living in Australia, Jerry met the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was baptized as a member of the Church on December 7, 2005. Jerry served in many Church callings, and he enjoyed being the ward librarian in the Center Ward in Rose Park and in Saratoga Springs where he got the nickname of “Uncle Jerry, the candy man”.
Jerry moved back to the United States to Saratoga Springs around 2008.
Moving to Utah was a great blessing for Jerry because he met his loving wife, Angie, who has been the most caring, loving spouse for Jerry, especially in the last five years of his life. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on November 4, 2010.
He will be remembered for his love of God, family, friends and also for his singing voice. He loved to sing anytime he had an opportunity to do so. Jerry sang at family gatherings, festivals, restaurants, hotels, and more. His deep gravelly voice showed Jerry’s strength even to the last days of his life.
In his later years when a double stroke robbed him of his strength and stamina, Jerry’s resilience in the face of such hardship is truly inspiring. He showed incredible strength, not only in his physical battle but also in his determination to continue living with purpose and grace.
Jerry is preceded in death by his grandparents; father, Jerry Phillips Sr.; stepmother, Jeannette Phillips; sister, Amanda Flewelling; and grandchild, Kaylee Rose Phillips.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Angie Phillips; mother, Betty Coates; children, Stephanie Phillips and Dwaine Elston Phillips (Sarah) from Jerry’s first marriage to Patty; and grandchildren Caden, Allison, Sean, Mariah and Blake.
The family thanks the staff of North Canyon Center in
Bountiful, the Rose Park Ward Center and the Saratoga Springs’s Ward
Bishopric, the relief society presidency, the ministering teachers, friends, family, and all the doctors and nurses that helped Jerry over the years. Also, thank you to the folklore group “Hakan Utah Ecuador” for their support.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jerry’s life as we honor him and remember the moments we shared with him.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, January 25th, from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. at the LDS chapel located at 868 North Starcrest Drive, Salt Lake City. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m.
Interment will be at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Millcreek.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerry?
Share a story where Jerry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerry you’ll never forget.
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