New John “JP” Phillips Broadcast Center honors an incredible storytelling legacy

For 22 years, TV Tacoma’s John “JP” Phillips creatively captured Tacoma Public Utilities’ milestones, events, and history on video. JP, who passed away on October 2, 2020, was beloved by employees throughout TPU and the City. In honor of John’s contributions, the Public Utility Board and Director Jackie Flowers dedicated the newly upgraded TPU control room to him – the John “JP” Phillips Broadcast Center – at the April 28, 2021, Board meeting. You can watch the dedication, which includes a video about JP, here: MyTPU.org/PUB-April2821 (presentation starts at 6:58).

“The best part of knowing and working with JP was his indelible spirit. Nothing ever seemed to keep his mood down for long, nor would he let others stay down,” said Television Production Coordinator John Miller, who managed JP for 14 years. “During tough moments, JP could look at you, smile, and say something that would make you laugh and brighten your attitude in a heartbeat.”

JP’s extensive work included filming from the top of the original Narrows Bridge, climbing inside water pipes, capturing every dam, and highlighting Tacoma Rail’s locomotives. He covered Community Connection events, braved the elements with the line crews, and did a significant amount of work for the Click! Network. “I had the wonderful pleasure of working with JP when Click! Cable TV started to do 30-second spots on its network,” said marketing coordinator Bernie Peterson. “With his quirky sense of humor and my candor, there was always laughter in almost every conversation I had with him. I am simply grateful for having JP in my life.” JP spent countless hours in the TPU control room filming Board meetings on prehistoric equipment. At long last, staff started upgrading the space in 2019. “We planned on surprising him with the news about the dedication once the upgrade was complete,” said Executive Assistant Charleen Jacobs. “Sadly, his health declined before we finished the room. Fortunately, I was able to share the dedication news with John the night before he passed.” John was well known for his work on the Service Awards, an annual event that honors employees at their service intervals every five years, beginning at 10. He would craft a video featuring the news, pop culture, and events from employees’ years of hire. “My favorite time working with JP was for the Service Awards. He was so meticulous and creative with the videos,” said Financial Assistant Tamera Fletcher. “We’d get to spend a rare, entire day with him, prepping everything and cracking jokes – his Dr. Evil/ Mr. Bigglesworth impression was an absolute hoot! We presented an award to him at the 2019 ceremony for ‘20 Years of Dedicated Service as a Rock Star Video Producer.’ JP was so proud of it that he said even though he’d won Emmys and other local and national accolades, this one meant the most to him.” John was an impeccable and masterful storyteller who did everything with excellence. He never tried to glorify himself through his work; it was always about the story. May we not only celebrate the stories he told so beautifully but also, the beautiful story of his life.

p 20 Years of Dedicated Service as a “Rock Star Video Producer” award

t John working his video magic in the prehistoric TPU control room.

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