Obituary of John M. Phelps

John Murray Phelps, Jr. April 21, 1953 – January 11, 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of John Murray Phelps, Jr., 61, of Lebanon Township, NJ on Sunday, January 11, 2015. John was born in Kane, PA, and grew up in Clifford, PA, where he enjoyed skiing the slopes of Elk Mountain. He was the oldest of five children of Pauline and John M Phelps Sr. John was a 1975 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics where he rowed for the Crew team, played Lightweight Football and was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. His career as an Employee Benefit Specialist spanned 40 years working for such notable companies as Fred S. James, Johnson and Higgins, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Brown and Brown and M. W. Baehr Associates, Inc. Currently, he was proud of his work on the creation of the Gateway Community Health Plan and as CEO of the newly established company Grow Solutions Inc. John gave his time and efforts unselfishly to his community with activities such as the Church choir and as a youth soccer and basketball coach. John met his beloved wife of 39 years, Sandra Jane 'Sandy,' at the University of Pennsylvania where they both attended. John's legacy will continue on in the lives of his three children, John Murray Phelps III (Erin), Laura Beth Howells (Brian), and Kevin Albert Phelps of whom he was proud to be called 'Dad.' The light of his life was his three grandchildren who called him 'Pap,' Jack Alton Phelps, Samuel Oliver Phelps and Evelyn Beth Howells. A fourth granddaughter is expected to join his family in February. He is also survived by his father John Murray Phelps, Sr., his brother Stan Phelps, and sisters Mary Ann Baehr, Geralyn Rizzo and Alice Fortin. John's generosity touched many lives. He gave freely of his experience, knowledge and many talents to all who knew him. He always had a smile on his face and a warm handshake. He was calm during heavy seas and quick to give his hand and heart to those in need. He will be sorely missed by all, but especially by his wife, children and grandchildren. They ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at the Church of St Joseph at 59 Main Street, High Bridge, NJ 08829 on Monday, January 19, 2015 at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory would be most appreciated to the Saint Paul's Food Pantry, 832 Park Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, the Church where John and Sandy were married, and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 14 Penn Plaza, Suite 1615 NY, NY 10122 or www.stjude.org.