Jesse Phipps

1938 - 2018

Jesse Phipps
April 3, 1938 - May 12, 2018
Jesse "Jess" Phipps passed on May 12th, 2018 at the age of 80 with his family by his side.
He was born on April 3rd, 1938 to the late Jesse and Dorothy Phipps. He grew up in Waterford, where he was better known as "Sonny". At Oakdale High School, he excelled in football, baseball, and track. As an All-State running back and a track star he set many records during his tenure as a Mustang; some of which still stand to this day.
After graduation, Jesse joined the Navy and set sail for Europe aboard the USS Intrepid. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia when he met the love of his life, Carolyn Laws. The two married on June 2nd, 1958 in Washington, D.C.
Following his discharge, they moved to North Carolina, where their first two children (Cindy and Gary) were born. In 1963 they moved to Modesto, where their third and fourth children (Lisa and Todd) were born. Jesse worked with Moore Trucking Lines out of Stockton until his retirement.
After retirement, he was able to follow his true calling in life. His second career started as an assistant coach for Modesto Broncos Youth Football. He went on to work as a yard supervisor for Modesto City and Sylvan School Districts, a football coach for Somerset Middle School, a basketball coach for the LDS Church, and most recently, an assistant football coach at Davis High School.
In his free time, he loved fishing, reading, tinkering with the latest Apple products, and talking to complete strangers every chance he got. He will be remembered for his curiosity, sense of humor, undying patience, and willingness to help.
Nothing was more important to Jesse than family, particularly his grandkids, who were always at the forefront of his mind. He was their biggest fan, and sometimes their coach. He followed their lives closely, from the day they were born until the day he passed. Nothing gave him more joy than being Grandpa.
Jesse is preceded in death by two of his children, Lisa and Todd; and his brother, Stanley.
He will be missed dearly by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn; his daughter, Cindy Roehrick and husband Dan; his son, Gary and wife Nancy; his grandchildren, Scott Roehrick, and Paige and Morgan Phipps; and his sister, Lois and husband Daryl Howe (Texas).
The viewing will be Friday, June 1st at Eaton Family Funeral Home from 5 - 8 pm. Services will be held Saturday, June 2nd at 10 am at the LDS Chapel on Orangeburg and College Ave. followed by a 12:30 pm graveside service at Lakewood. We encourage family and friends to start at the church or join us graveside for a celebration of Jesse's life.