John R. Phillips, a.k.a. “Jonny Angel”, 63, of Dakota City, Nebraska passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 13, 2022. Family members are planning two celebrations of life which will be held at later dates in Dakota City, NE and Rockford, IL. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff, IA.

John was born in Rockford, IL on November 29th, 1958, where he grew up with his parents Robert Phillips and Hazel Ruth Storey along with his five other siblings. After graduating from Auburn High School, John married his high school sweetheart, Sandi (Skarpac) Phillips. Prior to their divorce, they were blessed with two sons Bryan and Jeffrey. Later on, John met his longtime life partner Connie Wright of Rockford, IL, who he is now reunited with in Heaven.

John began his career as a machinist at J.L Clark and finished his career at Tyson Foods, where he recently retired but not before he received his “Employee of the Month” recognition. John’s foreman shared “John took his time on tasks, but the job was always done right the first time.”

John was a man who lived life to the fullest and enjoyed spending his days fishing and rocking out on his bass guitar (especially for Bob and Brenda Phillips and the Sky Riders of Rockford.) He loved collecting mint coins and playing keno. He was also a diehard Bears and Cubs fan. He had a great sense of humor and was an amazing storyteller but an even better listener.

John is survived by his Sons, Bryan (Molly) Phillips of Frankfort, IL, Jeffrey Phillips of Rockford, IL, “Bonus” Son, Danny Wright of Rockford, IL; Grandchildren, Gavin, Camden, and Emery Phillips; siblings, Frank (DeAnn) Phillips, Brenda (Tom Hernandez) Phillips, Mark Phillips, Danny (Patricia) Phillips; Step-Brother, Terry Phillips; Nieces, Ashley (Billy Smith) Phillips, Brittany (Blake) Davis, Cassie Phillips, Grace Phillips; and Nephew, Aaron (Emily) Phillips. He was also an amazing Granduncle to Anna, TJ, and Jayleah “Chuchu”. John leaves behind many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins, along with his Dakota City friends and community.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Stepfather, Mel Storey; Brother, Robert Phillips, Jr. (Sherry); Nephew, Jason Phillips (Amanda); and his beloved pet, Boo.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please consider making a donation to a local charity, shelter, or food pantry to help the less fortunate in John’s honor.

The family would like to give special thanks to the ER and ICU teams at Mercy One in Sioux City, IA.

John left us with this quote: “Isn’t it funny that when you’re born, you’re the only one crying and everyone else has a smile. When you pass, everyone is crying and you’re the only one in the room with a smile.”

John would want us all to be positive, be happy, be forgiving, be kind, be proud, and love one another above all else, like he loved his family.