John Richard Phillips, Sr.  (82) of Decatur, IL passed away Thursday April 2, 2026.  John was born in Lansing, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan for Civil Engineering and later received an MBA from the University of Chicago.  After a full career in food product manufacturing and management including Procter & Gamble, Swift, Bunge (BEOCO), and A.E. Staley, he focused his efforts on improving his neighborhood and community in Decatur, IL.  With his wife and children he owned and operated several small businesses and restaurants in the area, most recently University Service with his son John Phillips, Jr. John was actively involved in community building, including CONO, OKO, the Greater Decatur Black Chamber of Commerce, his HOA board, supporting the Devon, and attending most Decatur City Council meetings for over 25 years. To further his efforts to grow Decatur business he taught at Millikin University and mentored in the SBA’s Score program.

John supported his grandchildren in their academic and sporting pursuits at St. Teresa and Maroa-Forsyth respectively. He loved live entertainment, music, and theatre; enjoyed golf, poker, and Michigan Football and Basketball. He often went to Michigan games and reunions with the basketball team, especially Cazzie Russell, from his time as team manager and proudly talked about his experiences when the team went to the Final Four.  He would travel to play at famous golf courses, including St. Andrews in Scotland and have adventures abroad. He climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Kenya and to the Base Camp at K2 in China.

John Sr. is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia, son John Phillips, Jr. (Alicia) daughter Chris Gregory of Aiken, SC, grandchildren Jessica, Jakaelin, Jasmine, Deondre, Tyler, Jennifer, Donald, Logan, and Michael and great grandchildren; brother Larry (Gail) Phillips and sister Ann (Forrest) Hayford of Michigan.  John Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Libby Phillips, and his son-in-law, Tommy Gregory.

Cremation is planned with a private interment service in St. John’s, Michigan this summer.   In Lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to OKO Community Center or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.