Jack Phillips

Jack Phillips, 77, of Bozeman, MT, passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday December 5th surrounded by his family. Phillips was born in 1933 in Charleston, IL and was a star athlete in baseball, football, and track at Charleston High School. He played minor league baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies. He married Patricia Phillips of Terre Haute, IN in 1955 and after military duty in Europe, settled in Champaign, IL and raised three boys, John, Mike, and Rob. He was actively involved in youth baseball and started the Little League All-Star program in Champaign in 1965 and later expanded it to include Babe Ruth and Senior Babe Ruth All-Star programs. He coached over 25 teams in his career and helped many players go on to play in college. He once said that he gave everything he had to the game but knew it never matched what he received from the kids. He spent his retirement years in Bozeman spending time with his family, fly fishing, playing with his grandchildren, and helping democratic candidates gain election to the state legislature. He will be deeply missed and always remembered. At Jack's wishes the family held a private ceremony in Bozeman and is asking that any memorial contribution be made to the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter or any Red Cross blood drive.