Lasting Memories

Jack Phillips
Aug. 26, 1938-June 1, 2021
Atherton, California

Jack was born in Tulare, California, the youngest of Mabel and Tulsa Phillips’ four sons.

He received a B.A. degree at the University of San Francisco where he was an original member of the a cappella group, the “Pipes”. He was a beloved English teacher and guidance counselor to generations of students at Palo Alto High School, where he worked for 35 years. Never a runner, but instead an avid walker, Jack was an active member of the LGBTQ+ BayLands FrontRunners, for which he served on the Board of Directors and hosted countless pool parties, meetings, and celebrations. He was a pianist, sculptor, talented man around the house, devoted Shakespearean and composer of sonnets. Additionally, Jack was a passionate theater-goer and Broadway visitor, and one of the founding fathers of the annual Music@Menlo festival, at the Menlo School. Each of his homes reflected his gifts as an interior designer extraordinaire and visionary gardener.

Jack was renowned for his hospitality, generosity, and civic commitments, qualities which made him a caring mentor to countless others, and a cherished friend to everyone he met. His playfulness and engagement with the world around him, as evidenced in his travels abroad with friends, are a testimony to his inextinguishable joie de vivre. Jack lived his life by a maxim on his workshop wall: Do not count the days; make the days count.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, August 15th at 1:00 PM in the Jennings Pavilion at Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton. Individuals wishing to attend are asked to notify Fred Weldy at weldyfred@gmail.com. As parking is limited, attendees are strongly encouraged to car pool. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Music@Menlo Fund (musicatmenlo.org) or the Human Rights Campaign (hrc.org).

From Lynn Hori
Aug. 6, 2021

Go Jack...so many great memories and great laughs. We love our "Little Debbies"

From Arne Lim
July 29, 2021

Jack, I will miss you so much. Your enthusiasm and care were infectious. I can't tell you how many students' lives you saved. Thank you for leading a bold life. I will cherish your smile forever.

From Jon Kinyon
July 29, 2021

He was a good counselor, he tried his best with me and I appreciate that. RIP

From Lisa Lowy
July 29, 2021

May his memory be a blessing to his family, friends, and all who had the honor to meet him. A very special and supportive counselor and a sweet man...he will be missed.

From Becky Peters
July 29, 2021

I loved Jack “no middle initial” Phillips. He made me feel important when he was my counselor and his example has been a resounding memory to me as a teacher. It’s about relationships.