TO THE EDITOR:
I’m writing to honor Jake Phillips, a Tar Heel who passed away earlier this year.
In 2008, I was a sophomore at UNC and a writer at the DTH. While living in Granville Towers, I often saw an older man eating in the Agora dining hall. Little did I know that an interview with him would lead to an unforgettable friendship.
His name was Jake Phillips. Jake came to Chapel Hill to take classes as a 74-year-old. A former professor, Jake moved to Hawaii after spending a semester at UNC, but returned just a few months later. He told me had missed it too much.
He read the DTH every day and picked up copies for cafeteria workers. He attended guest lectures, symphony concerts and athletic events. The UNC community was his family.
Chapel Hill was his home. On his 76th birthday, we celebrated with blue cups and dinner at his favorite restaurant, the Agora.
He passed away earlier this year, but I know he taught me and many others lessons that will stick with us forever. Although we had a 54-year age difference, he taught me that passion, kindness and curiosity can transcend age.
As Jake said, “I don’t want to just sit on a rocking chair … that’s a fast route to the grave.” His spirit was undeniable.
And if there’s one thing he would want Tar Heels past and present, near and far, old and young, to know, it’s this: never stop learning.
