John Thomas Phillips, 70 years old, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 6, 2018. He was born July 2, 1947 in Chicago, IL. On April 23, 1988, John married Catherine Amann. John was a graduate of East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, IL before attending Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA, graduating in 1969. He then graduated from the University of Iowa School of Law in 1972. He participated in the Air Force ROTC program throughout his college tenure and later served his country in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. John began his law career in 1976 at Churchill, Baumgartner and Phillips, Ltd, where he eventually became partner. John was appointed an associate judge in 1993, elected circuit judge in 2006, and elected chief judge of Lake County in 2014, before retiring in 2016. He had served in every division of the circuit during his career. John is best known for spearheading the creation of the specialty courts, which he presided over from 2005 until 2014. The courts included the mental health, drug and veteran's courts. He also served on the Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health Planning of the Illinois Supreme Court. John was also very active in his community as a member of many fraternal organizations including serving as the current President of the Antioch Rotary Club, member of the Antioch VFW Sequoit Post #4551 and the American Legion, and member and Past President of the Deer Trail Hunting Club.