John M. “Jay” Phipps Jr., 57, Fort Wayne, Ind., passed away at 7:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne after a short stay.

He was born on Jan. 30, 1955, in Bluffton, Ind. to John Marshall and Gloria Jane (Gardner) Phipps.

He graduated in 1973 from Homestead High School and was a lifetime Fort Wayne area resident, except for a few years he lived in California. He was a self-employed carpet installer for the past 20 years and formerly attended the St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne. He was a loving father, son, brother, and uncle. He enjoyed spending time at the lake, as he loved boating, fishing, swimming and spending time with his family.

He is survived by two daughters: Tia Phipps and Rena Phipps, Fort Wayne; three sisters: Natalie (John) Miller, Fort Lupton, Colo.; Jevne Livengood, Carmel, Ind.; and Joselyn (Michael) Drake, Syracuse; along with six nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Owen Family Funeral Home, SR 13 and CR 500N, North Webster, Ind. Memorial services will follow at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the funeral home with Pastor Richard Dunning, retired Lutheran minister, officiating.

Memorial bequests may be given to Tia Phipps. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.