Joseph Phillips

In preparation for his transition, he was baptized in April 2024-the month of his 75th birthday.

Joseph affectionately known as Joe by his family and close friends, later became known as “DJ Trippin”. “R&B music will never die”, he said as he entertained baby boomers with the soulful sounds at clubs and Cooper river park, in Camden, NJ.

Camden was also where he attended Mickle Elementary, Hatch Jr. High schools, and graduated from Camden High. He later graduated from Glassboro State College after he was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corp, where he enlisted in the mid-seventies. “The Marine Corp was a life changing experience” he said, as he reflected on the good: Playing on the first Black Marine Corps basketball team, PI Swish, to win a championship in South Carolina; and the bad, experiencing life threatening racism while enlisted.

After working in mental health for twenty-five years, his passion became music, line dancing, and family.

In June 2024, hospice was recommended but that didn’t stop him from living. Joseph was determined to enjoy everyday like it was his last by attending church, fishing, voting in the election, riding his scooter on the boardwalk and hosting family fish fries every Friday.

He is survived by his brothers: Charles, Frank, Ronald and Robert. His children: Joseph, Jozette, Jaimee and Kendall. The family tree continued to blossom with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws, a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, and his church family.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father Frank and Susan Phillips and sisters Betty and Lena.

A special thank you to Sheila, Valerie (Sissy), Joyce and Carol for assisting with caring for Joseph.