December 17, 1975 – January 4, 2026 

Jonathan passed away unexpectedly at home on January 4, 2026. He was born on December 17, 1975, at Penticton Hospital. He grew up in the Okanagan with two sisters and many friends in Oliver, B.C. Jonathan completed the Late French Immersion program, attended Tuc-el-Nuit Elementary School, and graduated from South Okanagan Secondary School in 1994. He had many school friends whom he remained in contact with throughout his adult life. 

He studied psychology at Brigham Young University in Hawaii for four years. It actually included Surfing 101 (a fun fact). Jonathan also attended the University College of the Cariboo, completed firefighting training at the BC Justice Institute, and graduated from a psychiatric nursing program through Stenberg College. He worked in various fields, primarily caregiving, and more recently with Cobra Heavy Iron Ltd., where he greatly enjoyed the physicality of the work and the camaraderie with his co-workers. Jonathan loved basketball, boxing competitions, and especially UFC! 

Jonathan was a lifelong weightlifter and could be found at the gym most evenings without fail. He was always happy to offer training advice to others. He had big muscles and better abs than most 50-olds — and he was proud of it. He loved good food, his family, and had a unique sense of humour. Non-judgmental and always willing to help others, Jonathan was distinguished by his wonderful smile, compassionate nature, and generous heart. 

Jonathan was predeceased by his sister Jessica in 2013, and his grandparents Elizabeth and John Price (Victoria), Frank and Frances Phillips (St. John’s), and Harry Deerin (Scotland). He is survived by his mother and father, June and Ernest; his sister Rachel (brother-in-law Brent); his niece and nephew, Olivia and Oliver; and extended family members. 

Jonathan’s fun wish would be for everyone to travel to Mexico and enjoy a really good feed of street tacos in his memory. 

A viewing for family and friends will be held at Schoening Funeral Service on Thursday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m., at 513 Seymour St., Kamloops, B.C. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kamloops Food Bank or a charity of choice. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 11 in Kamloops, with the location to be announced at a later date. 

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service for the Phillips family. 

• Date : 2026-01-04
• Location : Kamloops