John Eric Jesse Phillips was born in Thame on 2nd February 1921 the son of John James Phillips and Emily May Phillips (nee Eele) of 4 Bell Lane, Thame.  His father’s trade was a packer.

Jesse married Ellen May Bowler in 1940 and they had three children; Eric, Charles (Ray) and David. The family lived at 16 Horton Avenue, Thame.  Ellen married again and had a further seven children.

Jesse attended school in Thame prior to joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; 1666457 Leading Aircraftman John Eric Jesse Phillips.

He is listed in the Thame Welcome Home Fund of 1945, but was tragically killed on Saturday 9th February 1946, age 25 whilst still serving in the RAF.  The motorcycle he was riding was involved in a collision with a car at the Bishopstone crossroads at Stone, Bucks.  His death was recorded as “misadventure” at the subsequent inquest.

Jesse was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard, Thame, Oxfordshire on 13th February 1946, but his only memorial in Thame is his grave stone in St Mary’s churchyard.