A letter remembering John Phillips - a community legend

By Joshua Eugene Holden Hume

The passing of John Phillips has left our community mourning yet reflecting on a life dedicated to entertainment, community, and the arts. His influence extended beyond the silver screen, shaping the fabric of Sidney for generations.

For many, the Fox Theatre was more than just a cinema; it was a beacon of aspiration. As a young kid, I found myself enchanted by movies - an obsession fostered by my grandmother, Maxine Hume, who served as an usher at the Fox for many years. Her love for film, along with her photographs that still adorn the theatre’s lobby, sparked my own passion. She introduced me to my first horror movie at a tender age - well, far too young - but it ignited a lifelong enthusiasm that led me into a career in film and television.

My grandmother was not the only influence. John Phillips played a pivotal role in nurturing my love for the cinema. I recall attending nearly every film that arrived in town, sometimes twice a week, immersing myself in the art of storytelling through film.

Managing a theatre is no small feat, and John did it with grace, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit. He had a rare ability to align the theatre’s offerings with the community’s needs and desires - something few small-town theaters still accomplish. His innovations, such as summer matinee programs for kids - long before streaming and on-demand content - demonstrated his dedication to the community and its need for escapism and entertainment.

John’s outreach extended beyond scheduling films. He understood that cinema was a unifying force. Whether for faith-based events or live football games, he knew that showcasing experiences on the big screen was not just an act of entrepreneurship - it was a way to bring people together. His showmanship, genuine love, and heartfelt openness created a treasured space in Sidney’s cultural landscape - something I fear we are rapidly losing today.

One of my most cherished memories is of myself as a young moviegoer, eager to see every film. I would often go alone, armed with notes from my parents if necessary, which John would accept without question. After a few weekends, he told me I no longer needed to bring notes, trusting that I would behave.

I was also privileged to have my senior portraits taken in the projection room - with John’s blessing - a moment I still remember fondly. I may not love the photos themselves, but the process was unforgettable. John offered to project film in the background, gave me props, and helped me set the scene. That generosity and enthusiasm reflected his character.

There’s another story that captures John’s dedication. During a trip to Denver with the drama club, I saw a film I loved and wrote a review for the Sun-Telegraph. The film wasn’t on the Fox’s schedule, but due to public demand after my review was published, John rented a print - at what I now realize must have been a considerable cost. It was an act of passion and community spirit. Many will remember those large 35mm film canisters near the ticket booth - they symbolized the effort and expense of bringing special films to Sidney.

Throughout my life, I looked up to John. I once told him I hoped to take over the Fox if he ever decided to sell. That dream never came true, but it reflects the admiration I had for him and my desire to carry on his legacy - a legacy that now belongs to Kim, his family, and the community.

John made the Fox Theatre a safe, welcoming home for everyone. It’s been a constant in Sidney - a place of comfort, joy, and escape. My love for film was cultivated under its marquee on Friday and Saturday nights, inspiring my career in the industry.

Every time I watched a movie there, John was present - smiling at the start and guiding us back into Sidney’s Main Street at the end. I imagine he’s still there, greeting everyone with that same warm smile, welcoming us into a lifetime of entertainment.

John Phillips’s legacy is enduring - a testament to a man who turned a small-town theatre into a community treasure. His memory will live on in the stories, the laughter, and the countless lives he touched.

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Services for John will be held on Friday, October 10 at 10 a.m. at the Faith Methodist Church in Sidney.