SIDNEY -- John Phillips, 68, of Sidney, passed away on Saturday in Sidney.

He was known for the Fox Theatre, and for the number of projects and community boards he supported.

Shea Wittrock, who works at the Fox Theatre shared some of her memories working for John at the Fox Theater. She said she will always remember him for his compassion.

"The one thing I'm going to remember most about John is how caring he was. I felt like at any moment when I felt like I didn't know where I was going John always had the ... the best advice for me. And I, I don't know like I truly believe that John always had his best interest at heart with everybody," she said.

She met John because of her interest in the theater.

"I've known John for about six years now. I've always wanted to work at the movie theater. My freshman year I was so dead-set on applying here and getting a job here I came in one night, applied and John interviewed me on the spot and I got the job. Just from being here at the theatre I've really gotten to know him," she said.

She said she also has fond memories of how he treated employees, swimming parties John and Kim hosted at their home. 

Dennis Cheatham also has fond memories of working with John.

"I first became involved with John and Kim in 2018, and Kim and John approached me about a project to involve local community businesses in the advertising that is show before the movie. We sat down and figured out what we needed to do to do that. We went forward with that project, and it really paid off because then when the COVID shutdown happened, we were able to keep the theatre open when we were allowed to have the theatre open, and there still were no movies available. And so the community really stood up and came back, and supported the theatre during that time. He was always, 100 percent community, community-minded, and it showed," Cheatham said.

His spiritual mentor and pastor was Pastor Justin Brown of The Well Church.

"I've had the blessing and honor to be John's pastor for over five years. During that time, seeing Jesus shape him more and more. John was a great man. He loved people. He loved his community. And he loved to tell people about Jesus, whether it was out and about asking how he can pray with you or serving in different capacities inside of the church, outside of the church, in outreach, disaster relief, heading up the bed ministry. John showed the love of Jesus to our community. He's going to be sorely missed," Pastor Brown said.

He said John was also one to see a need in the community and often take care of the need anonymously. 

Services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, October 10, at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Justin Brown officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery. 

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday. Friends are welcome to leave condolences for the family. Family will be present from 4 to 6 p.m.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of John’s care and funeral arrangements. You may view his Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.