This is a funny story involving John that happened in the Monticello Temple.

I entered the Monticello Temple and saw John Philips who was attending the temple there. John told me he and Debbie were camping at one of the local camp grounds and planned on attending the temple several more times during the week. John did mention he and Debbie were having lunch with the Dustin’s that afternoon in the Monticello. As we sat in the ordinance room waiting for the session to begin John noticed Sister Fishburn walk in to the session. John who was sitting behind me leaned up and asked me if Brother Scot Fishburn had died because John had not seen him in the session. Brother Fishburn who was sitting right next to John leaned over and whispered to John “no I have not died I am still alive.” When I looked back at John, John had that John Phillips smile on his face and looked like was about to bust out laughing but he didn’t in reverence for the sacred place he was in.

I have seen Scot Fishburn in the Farmington New Mexico Temple since that day and we both got a smile on our faces when we mention this to each other.

I knew John through my parents, Don & Vicky Jeter.  Our business' worked together for many years. Even after my parents passed, he was always kind to me and my family  He never met a stranger and was always happy to see anyone.  He was a joy to talk to and work with.  John was a truly good person and will be missed greatly.  

His love for God leads me to a funny story.  A mutual friend passed and John gave his service at the Church.  Beforehand, he turned to my dad and said that I know you two have a long, funny past and a shared military experience, but there is NO cussing here in the Church.  They both laughed after that for quite a bit.  John understood both real life and Church life and how they mixed and needed to be separate at the same time.

We are very sad to know John has passed away. We will never forget him. Our deepest condolences to Deb and the rest of the family.

Paul and Cathy Wilson