John Phipps

JOHN PHIPPS

Iowa City

John Phipps of Iowa City passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 15, 2021.

John was born on July 2, 1947, to Richard and Elva (Babe) Phipps of Iowa City. His family moved to Dallas, Texas, when he was young. He grew up there and graduated from Richardson High School. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. John was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart, Diana Leighton, on Aug. 30, 1968, in Dallas. After college, John began a career in law enforcement, serving as a police officer with the Nachogdoches and Richardson Police Departments. In 1977, John and Diana moved to Iowa City to raise their family. John worked in human resource management for NCS, Mercy Hospital, and Schenker Technologies. For the past 11 years John enjoyed working as a school bus driver for the Iowa City Community School District.

John loved his family dearly and cherished his role as "Grandpa John." He spent most of his free time attending countless show choir competitions, band concerts and softball games. He also loved fishing trips with his brothers, cousins and friends, weekly Huddle Club luncheons during football season, and golfing. John was active in Boy Scouts of America and served many years as Scoutmaster and Committee Chair for Troop 250 of Iowa City. He also served as a District Commissioner for the Hawkeye Area Council. He enjoyed many high adventure trips through the years with Troop 250, especially numerous treks to Isle Royale National Park and Philmont Scout Ranch. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, Dallas Cowboys, and Dallas Stars.

John's surviving family include his son, John (Becky) Phipps of Coralville and their children Wyatt, Kelsey, Ava and Ella Kate; his daughter, Kathy (Jeremie) Moen of Iowa City and their children Autumn and Danielle; brothers, Mike (Mary Lou) Phipps of San Diego, Rob (Jean) Phipps of Iowa City and Joe Phipps of Hot Springs, Ark.; sister, Julie (Bren) Redifer of Hot Springs, Ark.; and his mother, Babe Phipps of Iowa City. John is also survived by his mother-in-law, Una Leighton of Georgetown, Texas; sister-in-law, Susan George of Austin, Texas; brother-in-law, Steve Leighton of Austin, Texas; as well as numerous cousins and special friend, Susan Van Duyn of Iowa City.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Diana Phipps; and father, Richard Phipps.

Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hawkeye Area Council or the U of I Dance Marathon.

Online condolences may be made at www.lensingfuneral.com.