Jared M. Phillips

Jared Matthew Phillips, age 36, passed away on Friday, August 11th, 2023, at his home in Maggie Valley, NC.  He had resided in Waynesville, NC for most of his life.  Jared was the son of Delores Coyne Phillips and the late James (Jim) Phillips.  In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Annie Phillips.  Jared is survived by his mother, Delores Phillips, of Lake Junaluska; a son, Carson Phillips, of Franklin; and his sister, Megan Phillips, and her husband, Nick Klug, of Hendersonville; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins that he loved dearly.

Jared graduated from Tuscola High School in 2005 and attended Western Carolina University, studying business and finance. He worked as a crew lead at W.D. Wright Contracting.

Jared and his father shared a love of baseball, first playing T-ball, then Little League, the Outlaws Traveling Baseball Team, and the Tuscola High School team.  He was a pitcher and catcher.  When A-Rod shot to popularity in the 90's, Jared was given the nickname J-Rod by a family friend, and it stuck.  His dad coached the vast majority of his teams.  They both gave up a scheduled trip to Maui one year because the team kept advancing to the State Championship.  Now that's dedication.  His mother and sister, not as dedicated, flew to Maui with family friends.  When asked how he was doing on the day of his late Dad's birthday, Jared said that he wished he could throw the ball one more time with his Dad.  If God allows games in heaven, they are set.

Jared had an infectious sense of humor.  He journaled and wrote many profound observations relating to the human condition and about his relationship with his Lord.

He loved his sister dearly.  When she was born, he took great pride in the fact that he could help her stop crying whenever he held her, and other than that phase kids go through where they try to drive each other crazy, he was fiercely protective of her all of his life.  It was clearly his great privilege and joy to walk Megan down the aisle when she married last year and then fill in for his dad at the father-daughter dance, where they danced "like no one's watching."

Jared was most proud of his son, Carson.  He loved him fiercely.  They often walked around Lake Junaluska in the evenings after dark, even in the cold, pondering the universe and talking about their week.  They enjoyed fishing on the weekends. Jared ALWAYS expressed his love for his family and never failed to vocalize his appreciation for anything done for him.

"Thank you so much for everything you do."

"I love you."

"I love you SO much, son."

"Thank you so much."

"You are the best mom of all time."

Be like Jared.  Tell your family you love them every time you see them. Our great consolation is knowing that we were blessed to be bathed in his very bright light of love, and in his knowing that he was well loved in return.  Jared was a member of First Baptist Church of Waynesville.  A celebration of life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on the 25th of August, 2023 in the chapel of First Baptist Church of Waynesville with the Reverend Dr. Robert Prince officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service at a reception in the MAC (Ministry Activity Center).  Inurnment will take place Saturday morning, the 26th, in Green Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to : First Baptist Church of Waynesville, 100 S. Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786; Haywood Pathways Center, 179 Hemlock Street, Waynesville, NC 28786; Sarge's Animal Rescue Foundation, 256B Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Jared has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.