John (Jd) Dameron Phillips

There is extra joy and laughter in Heaven right now. J.D. has flown his last earthly flight. He now flies copilot with Jesus at the controls.

John Dameron Phillips was born April 30, 1934, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Elon University after which he served in the United States Army as a member of the Military Police.

Mr. Phillips had an avid interest in aviation. As a teenager, he made his first aircraft acquisition, a clipped wing J-3 Cub. Later, he was the owner of a restored Air Force T-34. He completed the restoration of a Steerman before he began the T-34 project. As a Colonel in the confederate Air Force, he flew the T-34 in air shows throughout the country.

Mr. Phillips operated a charter company in Greensboro, North Carolina, his hometown, prior to his relocation to Dallas. He received his jet training in Dallas, where he purchased his first Lear jet. He chose Dallas as his base of operation.

Mr. Phillips founded Jet East, Inc., an air charter and aircraft maintenance operation at Love field Airport in 1975, with one Lear jet. He flew as captain and had one pilot in his employ that flew as co-pilot. In 1980, when the company built the 110,000 square foot facility, he was operating eight airplanes and had 35 employees covering a full range of services including aircraft maintenance, avionics, parts sales, fuel sales and executive air charter. Under his leadership, the first year in the facility, Jet East became a Lear jet service center and a General Electric Engine service center. He entered the aircraft sales arena and was recognized nationally as a Lear jet specialist. The company continued to grow, including starting an operation for Boeing 737's.

In 1995, he founded and was president of Designs That Fly, Inc., an interior design and completion business for jets and business aviation aircraft. He continued to be active in the business until recently.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane Seawell Phillips, daughter Teresa Jane Garrison and husband David, son John Dameron Phillips, Jr., and his wife Tammy, grandchildren Madison and Conner Phillips, all from the Dallas area, and sisters Peggy Coble and husband Bernard, Jodi Shaw and Linda Register and husband Ken in North Carolina.


From one of JD's flying buddies Mr. JD Daniels:

"We have lost one of our own, JD Phillips, who passed away on November 24, 2010 after a long and valiant struggle.

He will be remembered for his humor, loyalty to friends and family, and flying ability as well as a general love of aviation. He was a consummate storyteller! It was never just about him but it was usually in first person as he had a lifetime of aviation experience to share. If you ever heard him tell the story of the parachuting dogs you know what I mean! If you didn't, I hope you get to hear the story, but it will never be told quite the same.

JD was equally comfortable in a Sunday school class, a management meeting or an air show pilot briefing. He and his wife, Mary Jane, were a true American love story, and he was a proud father and grandfather.

JD flew his last fly-by in his T-34 (711JD) with the Texas Twisters at a July 4th air show in Addison, TX a few years ago. His formation was perfect as I am sure he is in perfect formation in the hereafter."

JD will be missed by his family and friends. He touched so many lives and helped so many people. A phone call to family today from an old friend who said "he was the finest man I ever met". He loved to laugh and make others laugh. If he was in your life then you experienced joy by being with him. He was a true gift to everyone he touched.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Fireside Room, 6801 W Park Blvd., Plano, Texas 75093.

JD will be laid to rest Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Prestonwood Baptist Church Chapel.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in J.D.'s honor to:

Prestonwood Children's Ministry
6801 W. Park Blvd
Plano, TX 75093

or

Prestonwood Pregnancy Center
15757 Coit Road Suite 308
Dallas, TX 75248