Phillip Samuel Valla

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Phillip Samuel Valla on February 11, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. Known affectionately as "Coach" Phil, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, and friend who touched countless lives with his kindness, wisdom and strength.

Born on August 27, 1946, in Jacksonville, Phil pursued a life of purpose and passion. He attended St. Johns River Community College and the University of Florida before earning a BA in Physical Education from Florida State University in 1969. He later obtained an MA in Education from Jacksonville University in 1973.

Phil dedicated 36 years to coaching and teaching, helping young athletes and students grow both on and off the field. He made a lasting impact at schools including Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Lake Shore Middle School, James Weldon Johnson Middle School, J.E.B. Stuart Middle School, and Ed White High School. Whether coaching football, track and field, swimming, or soccer, he instilled the values of teamwork, perseverance and dedication in his students.

Beyond his career, Phil was a loving husband to Paulette Grillo Valla for 51 years, a devoted father to Tiffany Valla Hutto, and a proud grandfather to Mia Jacqueline Hutto and Cole Phillip Hutto. His love for jazz and drumming filled his home and community, where he played in local bands and generously gave free lessons to neighborhood children.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Samuel Valla and Olivene Hancock Valla. He is survived by his wife Paulette; daughter Tiffany; grandchildren Mia and Cole; brothers Ray Valla (Gainesville, FL) and Louis Valla (Berkeley, CA); nephews Gabriel Valla (Liana) of St. Augustine, FL, and Sky Notestein of Gainesville, FL; and their families.

A celebration of Phil's life will be held on Tuesday, February 25, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 3889 Eloise St. in Jacksonville. A reception will follow from 1-3 p.m. at Blue Fish Restaurant in Avondale. Friends and family are encouraged to share their favorite Coach Valla stories in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phil's memory to the Murray Hill Athletic Association to support young athletes. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Baptist Clay Hospital, Community Hospice Center for Caring at Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside, and the dedicated medical teams who cared for Phil with compassion.

Rest easy, Coach. Your legacy lives on in the lives you touched.