Russell (Jake) Phillips

Russell (Jake) Phillips age 72 of Tennessee, Illinois, passed away Thursday, November 16, 2017, at his home in Tennessee, with his family at his side. He was born May 26, 1945, in Middle Creek, Illinois to Waldo and Delphine Burrows Phillips. Jake was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ruth Clauson, in Colchester on May 29, 1965.
Surviving to mourn his passing are his wife of 52 years Ruth of Tennessee, 2 Daughters: Becky (Walt) Dorethy, Colchester, Melissa Griswold (Shawn) Irvine, Quincy, 6 Grandchildren: Kristy (Clint) Wisslead, Kayla Dorethy, Karmyn (Ben) Kipling, Jenna Griswold (A.J.) Whitrock, Heather Griswold (Nicolas Andrade), Sydni Griswold, (Jake's Goddaughter), 3 Great Grandchildren: Jake Wisslead, Violet Wisslead and Karsyn Dorethy. Jake also has many surviving nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
Jake was a humble, kind and hard-working man who loved spending time with his family. He was full of joy and spent every moment he could playing with his granddaughters and great-grandchildren. They were truly his pride and joy. At every phase of life, he was an inspiration to those lucky enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 Brother: Robert Phillips, 3 Sisters: Helen Sanderson, Rose Hopson and Norma Doyle.
Jake retired from his janitorial business, Commercial Clean in 2014. Previously, Jake had worked at McDonough District Hospital, Tennessee Sand and Gravel and McGraw Edison in Macomb. He was a member of the Gold Wing Association, formerly served on the Tennessee Village Board and the Colchester Fire Department and Colchester Rural Fire Department. Jake was baptized as a child at the Burnside Christian Church. He attended the Crossing Church in Macomb.
Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 A.M. Monday November 20, 2017, at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester. Visitation with the family will be from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Friends may sign the register book at the funeral home after 9:00 A.M. Sunday. Memorials can be made to “Papa’s Park.” Funds will be used to renovate Jake’s favorite park. Condolences may be expressed to the family at jonesmortuaryfh.com

Visitation:

4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Sunday at the Funeral Home

Celebration of Life:

11:00 A.M. Monday at the Funeral Home

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