It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Jack M. Phillips of Las Vegas, NV on November 3, 2023. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, and entrepreneur. Jack was born on June 18, 1936 in Durant, OK to John and Josephine Phillips. He was married to Marilyn Fransen Phillips who passed in 1998.
Turlock residents may remember Jack as their Chamber of Commerce Manager. Since he was a rodeo cowboy, Jack created what would become a 10-day Western celebration centered
around a 3-day rodeo. In 1965, he produced a weekly television show, Rodeo USA, where he filmed and broadcasted rodeos on location. That same year, Jack was named the California Cowboys Association’s Steer Wrestling Champion.
Jack opened a nightclub in Turlock called The Sports Page. Later he owned and operated a nightclub in Modesto he named Crocodiles which was part of a larger shopping center he
later purchased and renamed Phillips Plaza.
Jack is survived by his wife, Debra Davey Phillips; daughters, Jackie Phillips and Laurie (David) Phillips Ciglar; son, Guy (Martha) Phillips; his four grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.
He was loved, admired, and considered a best friend by many. Jack truly was a role model who taught us to enjoy our own lives by his character, positive attitude, and willingness to help others. The life lessons he shared made us all better people. He focused on achieving big goals in life by dreaming on what he could accomplish with his many talents. Without question, Jack lived his best life!