Locals attend retired Sheriff John Phipps’ funeral
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Locals across Yuma County are attending the funeral for retired Sheriff John Phipps Wednesday morning.
Phipps passed away last month, leaving behind a wife and two children.
He began his law enforcement career with YCSO back in 1962 when he served as a dispatcher in Parker, Arizona before he was transferred to Wellton, serving as the Resident Deputy, according to the Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO).
YCSO also adds Phipps was sworn in as Sheriff in 1981 after running the year before. He retired from his position in 1992, "having served three terms."
Sheriff Phipps touched so many lives in our community, and is leaving behind his legacy for the community and future law enforcement to carry on.
“These people that are here are just a fraction of the lives that he touched," says Pat Mistro, friend of Sheriff Phipps, and those who were inspired by him in the community can carry his legacy with them by living like he did.
Christina Barraza, Sheriff Phipps Granddaughter says, “everything that he has done, being kind, keeping the connection amongst all of us here today going, checking in on one another, and just I don’t know, just overall being a great person, I think that that would tribute and honor him in the best way.”
Yuma County Sheriff, Leon Wilmot, shares how he will continue to be remembered by the Yuma County sheriffs office.
“That's why he did what he did, was too improve the quality of life of the people that he served and that’s the same mantra that we all live by in yuma county," says Sheriff Wilmot.
Family, friends, and community members gathered to honor Sheriff John R. Phipps who passed away last month.
“Unfortunately he has passed on, so we are honoring his life and legacy," says Sheriff Wilmot.
He served in many roles including dispatcher and jailer, until finally becoming deputy sheriff in 1981.
Wilmot explains, “he was actually honored in congress for his legacy and leadership, he filled a lot of different stuff in the community too.”
He is remembered by those who loved him as a father, husband, grandfather, mentor, and friend.
“I’m very honored and appreciative that he was my grandfather, he touched so many lives, and so many hearts, he wore so many hats in the community, and as a person, and I’m just in awe that he was my grandfather," says Barraza.
Sheriff Phipps dedication, commitment, and sacrifice will forever be remembered by the Yuma community.
To watch the livestream of the funeral, see attached video.
