Sam Scott Phillips

Sam was born on November 14, 1955, in Boonville, Missouri, to James Phillips, a Missouri State Highway Patrolman, and Peggy Joyce Holt, a schoolteacher (a career that his brother and sister both also went on to pursue). He spent his early childhood in Boonville, MO. His family relocated to Jefferson City and Sam graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1974. As a descendant of Hiram Phillips, co-founder of the University of Missouri and elected curator in 1864, Sam grew up with great affection for the University. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from MU in Public Administration in 1978, followed by a law degree from the MU School of Law in 1982. Sam was admitted into the Missouri Bar in 1983 and went on to dedicate much of his career to law and legal ethics.

Most recently, Sam served as Deputy Chief Disciplinary Counsel for the Missouri Supreme Court. He also served as Executive Trust Officer and Vice President of Exchange Bank in Jefferson City. Prior to this he served as the Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Greene County, Missouri. Sam was elected to the Board of Directors for the National Organization of Bar Counsel, acting as the Board’s liaison to the ABA’s Lawyer Competence Committee. In this role, Sam was proud of the opportunity to serve on the ABA’s legal team in assisting the then- newly independent Republics of Georgia and Moldova in drafting their inaugural standards of legal ethics. Sam also chaired the Law Practice Management Committee for The Missouri Bar and worked tirelessly to support the advancement of ethical standards in law and governance.

Outside of his career, Sam was a loving father, brother, son, partner and friend. He enjoyed hiking, traveling, reading, canoeing, wood working and spending time with friends and family.

He is survived by his son, Hamilton Price Phillips, of Washington, DC; his sister, Linda Mary Phillips of Springfield, MO; his brother, John Ruben Phillips (Charlotte) of Union, MO; his mother, Peggy Phillips of Columbia, MO, his partner, Anne Fitzsimmons; and his beloved nieces and nephews: April Phillips, Amy Phillips, Joel Phillips (Jennifer), and Adam Phillips (Sandra). He also leaves behind many great-nieces, great-nephews, and close friends who cherished his presence.

Sam was preceded in death by his son, Campbell Scott Phillips, and his father, Cpt. James Phillips, both of whom he deeply loved and missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at the Boone County Historical Society at 3:00PM, preceded by a private burial at Hopewell Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Missouri River Relief: 916 N. College Ave #2, Columbia, MO 65201.