Obituary of John James Phillips

John James Phillips 1928-2009 John James Phillips long time resident of Dawson Creek passed away peacefully Feb 24th 2009 at the age of 80 years. John was born a cockney October 12th, 1928 in Westham, in the east end of London to Jenny and John Thomas Phillips. John was the eldest of five kids. John lived in London during the war years and experienced the Blitz firsthand. As a young man John was in the Royal Airforce right after the war. John was stationed in Germany in 1948 when the Berlin airlift was going on and had a job of manifesting the Royal Airforce planes so the Air Ministry new exactly what they had up in the air and on the ground so they would know exactly whatwas was available to them. John also was a boxer in the Royal Airforce. A sport he enjoyed all his life. John emigrated to Canada with his wife Joyce and his two young children Linda and John juniorin May of 1966. John worked on the WAC Bennet Dam, for the City of Dawson Creek and finally for Dept of Highways where he retired in 1988. John enjoyed his retirement and the many trips he took overseas with his wife Joyce. John could always be seen riding the streets and highways of the Dawson Creek area on his Black BMW motorcycle. Over the years John helped many a touring motorcyclist out who was either broken down or needed directions,which reflected well not only on him but also for our town of Dawson Creek. John loved his family more than anything and adored all of his Grandchildren that brought him great pleasure. Some of John's happiest days were having all of the Phillips grandkids camping in his 5th wheel out at Moberly Lake, with his beloved dog Winston.John would have all the grandkids on the edge of their seats while he told his terrific stories around the campfire. Although Johnhad a tough exterior he also had a personable friendly side to him once you got to know him. John was hard working,he respected people no matter what their standing was within the community or society and believed in no free rides. John a dear husband, Father and Grandfather willbe fondly remembered by his wife Joyce, children Linda and John junior, grandchildren Vanessa, Jessica, Justin, Kristin and great grandchildren Caleb and Portia. A memorial service was held on March 3, 2009 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, officiated by Reverend John Klassen. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of John by way of a donation to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation Box 714, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4H7 or the S.P.C.A. 637-114 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3A1.