Jeffrey Ellis Phipps

Jeffrey Ellis Phipps was born November 18, 1953 in Washington, DC and passed peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 24, 2023 at his home in Williamsburg, Virginia. Jeff spent his life in support of his country; first growing up as an Army brat and later at the National Security Agency. Over the course of his career, Jeff participated in many projects such as software programming for NASA, working on the predecessor of GPS and designing and building facilities supporting national defense. He was an expert in information technology and data security, but his biggest gift was his ability to pull people together. His personality attracted folks to him like a moth to a flame and he established life-long friendships. He was extremely effective at solving large problems and had a knack for visualizing the end solution and getting people on board. Jeff was well-liked and effective in whatever he attempted. He especially enjoyed mentoring younger employees and providing them guidance not only at work but in life.

Jeff’s number one passion and motivator was his family. He had many close relationships but since February 11, 1988 he was a dad first. Jeff was a talented musician and he shared that gift with his daughters as well as countless others. He was greatly comforted and inspired by his relationship with God and shared his faith in Jesus with many, often through music.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, John Gilbert Phipps, Sr. and Jeanette Marsh Phipps. He leaves to cherish his memory Elizabeth Close Phipps, his wife of 40 years, daughters Heather Elizabeth and wife Susan, and Hilary Jeanette and husband James, brother John Jr. and wife Terrea of Adamstown, Maryland, and sister Judy of Williamsburg, Virginia, mother-in-law Donna Close, father-in-law Leon Close and wife Deloris, sisters-in-law Debbie Hackney, and Joan Caracappa and husband Joe, brothers-in-law David and wife Brenda and Jim Close and wife Susan. He is also survived by his beloved dogs Charlie, Bart, and Chloe.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be made to your local animal shelter or dog rescue group.

Receiving of Family & Friends for Jeffrey will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, MD 21075, followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2:00 PM. He will be privately interred at a later date in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.garylkaufmanfuneralhome.com for the Phipps family.