Phillips, Jonathan Alan

July 7, 1953 – July 28, 2025

Jonathan Alan Phillips, 72, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, after a courageous four-year battle with lymphoma. Born on July 7, 1953, Jon lived a life full of creativity, skill, and love.

Jon grew up in Oakville, Missouri, graduated from St. Francis of Assisi grade school, Mehlville High School and Meramec Junior College.  Jon and Sandi later returned to Oakville, where they built their home and raised their beautiful family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Emma Phillips, and his sister, Barbara Calvin. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sandi Phillips; son, Jonathan (Caroline) Phillips; daughters, Lauren (Zachary) Tacony and Kristen (Robert) Murray; six beloved grandchildren—Timmy, Jude, Oliver, and Naomi Phillips, and Brooks and Adaline Murray—and sisters, Pamela McGrath and Deborah Stockelman.

To his family and friends, he was affectionately known as “Mr. P” or “Papa Choo.” Over the years he enjoyed supporting his children at their hockey, volleyball, or swimming events and more recently loved cheering on all of his grandchildren at their games.

Jon was an accomplished graphic artist and creative director, admired for his vision and talent. He delighted in his handmade pottery and coin collection. Equally at home with a graphic pen, computer, or wrench, he could fix anything—cars, houses, and everything in between. A true jack of all trades, he approached every challenge with ingenuity, patience, and pride.

A lifelong music enthusiast, Jon’s soundtrack was rich and diverse—filled with classic rock, folk, bluegrass, and soulful storytelling that spoke to his creative and reflective nature. Music was his constant companion—whether playing in the background as he worked in his garage, office, or in his beloved mancave, as he listened to vinyl records on the speakers he built himself. He loved attending concerts with his children and friends, sharing his favorite artists and memories, and passing along to them the same deep appreciation for music that shaped his own life.

Jon loved the mountains, visiting Copper Mountain, Colorado annually with his children and grandchildren—a cherished family tradition filled with laughter, adventure, and moments of peace in the beauty of nature. He also enjoyed many trips to the beach with his crew. Those trips reflected much of who he was: present, joyful, and always in awe of creation.

A passionate train enthusiast and creative at heart, Jon delighted in sharing his hobbies with his family, weaving his larger than life train table into countless memories that will forever echo in their hearts. More than anything, he cherished time with his family, offering love, guidance, and humor in abundance.

Jon’s legacy is one of devotion, creativity, and kindness. His absence will be deeply felt, but the memories, lessons, and love he shared will remain forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization dear to Jon’s heart, or to Dr. John DiPersio’s Research at Siteman Cancer Center, MSC 1082-414-2555, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105.

Checks may be made payable to Siteman Cancer Center and note “Dr. John DiPersio’s Research in memory of Jon Phillips” in the memo line. Donations can also be made online at siteman.wustl.edu/tribute by selecting “Other – Designations” and writing in “Dr. John DiPersio’s Research.” Questions may be directed to the Siteman Advancement Office at 314-935-4725 or friendsofsiteman.wustl.edu.

Please join us in celebrating Jon’s life with a Memorial Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4550 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CST.