John W. Phillips

John William Phillips, 85, of Uhrichsville, made his final lap and crossed the finish line on Monday, August 5, 2024. He has fixed his last boat motor and scratched his last lottery ticket, while being fueled by his choice of high-octane fuel, PEPSI ! These were his passions, and he was the happiest with anything that involved tools and grease. His knowledge of how to fix practically anything was unparalleled. He will also be remembered for the many kindnesses he extended to people who were in recovery from addiction, as he felt a particular calling to help anyone with that affliction.
Born March 16, 1939 in Tuscarawas County, Ohio's Warwick Township, he was a son of the late William E. Phillips and Helen E. (Reichman) Phillips-Kristiansen. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Charlene R. (Parcell) Phillips whom he married on January 11, 1958; his brother, Joseph R. Phillips; and his faithful dog, Peanut.
A 1957 graduate of Uhrichsville High School, he began his long career in boat repairs at the age of 16, while still in high school. John started out with the Tappan Marina in its earliest years and later started his own business, J. P.'s Service in 1984. He continued working on boats throughout his life and toward the end of his life, enjoyed teaching others to do their own mechanic work under his careful instruction.
John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Joey Barr; grandsons, Tommie F. Barr and Max (Xeno) Barr; nephew, Larry Phillips; niece, Vicky Phillips Holly; his partners-in-crime, Tom Powell and Jordan Powell; racing buddy, Bobby Allensworth; and longtime friend, Terry McCune.
Pastor Craig Warner will officiate John's funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 9, at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Interment will follow beside his beloved wife in Uhrichsville's Union Cemetery. His family will receive callers from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. If you would like to "float your own boat", you can honor John's interests by wearing racing, Pepsi, or boat shirts to his visitation or service. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to New Beginnings Ministry of First Baptist Church, 878 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, OH 44663 and the Uhrichsville Police Department K-9 Fund, 305 E. 2nd St., Uhrichsville, OH 44683.