D. Jay Phipps

HUDSON, FL - David Jay Phipps, age 66, died peacefully at home in Hudson, FL, after a brief illness, on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018.  Formerly a resident of Charleston, IL, he was born on June 2, 1952, the son of Robert and Thelma Phipps, the brother of John Phipps, and the grandson of Chance and Ruth Phipps, and Palmer and Agnes Stoner, all of whom preceded him in death. He was the loving and devoted husband of Marjorie (nee Hampton) Phipps, step-father of Christopher Vallowe and father of Palmer Buss. His beloved daughter, Cassidy Phipps, preceded him in death in 1986. He was a beloved and dedicated cousin, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him. Central to Jay’s life was his faith in God, his family, his friends, and his 25 years of sobriety.

Jay started working early in life, first helping out on his grandfather’s farm and cutting grass, then, after convincing Aldo to hire him at age 14, moved on to washing windows and dishes and later making and serving the “pies” at Pagliai’s Pizza.  Pagliai’s was his second home, Aldo was like a father to him, and he cherished those memories his entire life. He was a man of many talents, but painting was his passion for 48 years, not just his profession. After high school, he began Phipps Painting and became well known because of the quality of his work, his dedication, perfectionism and creativity. Between 1986 and 1991, he worked at various companies, including Promatec, PPG Industries, Cannon Sline, and W. W. Gay Inc., in Texas, Mass., Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Florida. He moved to Ft. Myers, Florida in May, 1991, marrying Marge 6 months later, started up Phipps Painting again, and then moved the business to Hudson, Florida where he and Marge moved in 2002.  He won the “Super Service Award” on Angie’s List for many years and Phipps Painting was well renowned and highly recommended by customers and paint companies.  Jay took up golf later in life and played as often as he could. Unfortunately, as much as he loved golf, he never quite perfected his game, no matter how hard he tried, and just as he did with everything in his life, he never gave up trying!

Jay graduated from Charleston High School where he was a proud member of the class of 1970. He remained very close to his friends and family from Charleston, many of whom also attended grade school and middle school with him in addition to high school. “Jay Jay”, “Javis”, “Jaybird”, “the Midnight Rider”, Jay loved his friends dearly and was greatly loved by them in return.  One of his final wishes was to get together with as many of his friends and family as possible, a wish many of them were able to make come true for him, coming from all over to see him during his final days, filling his home and heart with great memories, love and laughter. He loved growing up in Charleston and no matter where he lived over the years, Charleston was always "home” to Jay, and his Charleston friends were always part of his family.

Per his wishes, there will not be a funeral or service: he chose to will his body to science and later, his ashes will be scattered in the Gulf of Mexico off Sanibel.  Memorial contributions may be made to Gulfside Hospice (www.ghppc.org), 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639-9978, or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org), Donor Services, PO Box 98018, Washington DC 20090-8018.  A Phipps Fest & Celebration of Jay’s Life will be held in Charleston at a later date.