Phillip Ethan Davis

Phillip Ethan Davis passed away suddenly in Chicago on April 3, 2026. Born on December 25, 1979, in Watertown, South Dakota, he was the best Christmas gift ever.

Growing up in Watertown, Phillip was an active and accomplished athlete, graduating from Watertown High School in 1998. He made his mark on the track and cross country teams, winning the State Cross Country meet his senior year and contributing to the Watertown track team's State Title victory in 1998 by winning three events.

After high school, Phillip attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he met the love of his life, Joy. They exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony in Jamaica in January 2004. They began a life together in Atlanta and stayed there for five years. Then they moved to Chicago, where they started a family.

Phillip held several jobs before dedicating the last eleven years of his career at the Michael Lewis Company in Chicago.

His favorite role was being the best dad to his three children, Jacoby, Sterling, and Vivienne. Phillip cherished every moment with them, whether supporting their activities or enjoying their passion for good food.

Joy and Phillip shared a love for travel, visiting destinations like California, Hawaii, Mexico, and Washington, D.C., always ensuring their children were along for those travels.

Phillip is survived by his loving wife, Joy; his children, Jacoby (15), Sterling (13), and Vivienne (10); his parents, Paula and Robert; his siblings, Jocelyn (Ed) George and Joey (Kim); his sister-in-law, Eve (Terry) Rakowsky; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Phillip was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lauren and Grace Baumgart; his grandmother, Julia Davis; his cousin, Matthew Baumgart; and his niece Mae George.

Phillip leaves a part of himself in each of his children.  Phillip will be deeply missed, but will forever be loved and remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Watertown, SD, on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Second Street Station. No services will be held in Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support the education fund for his children. If you would like to contribute, please send to Paula's Venmo: @Paula-Davis-90