Phillip J. Stinson

Phillip J. Stinson, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 14, 2024. He was born to Neil and Bonnie Stinson on December 29, 1941, in Fort Wayne, IN.

Phil went to James H. Smart School and then New Haven High School, where he met the love of his life, Judi. Their adventures together lasted 61 years. He went on to International Harvester and started his tool and die apprenticeship. He later became the Manager of Facilities and Engineering shops. Phil was a wizard with words and philosophy and also became a team building facilitator. He truly loved his International Harvester (Navistar) family of friends. In 1991, he took early retirement and joined Judi in Real Estate. Volunteering was a passion of Phil’s and he spent 20 years on the American Cancer Society Board and was President for the Upstar Board of Realtors. As much as he enjoyed working and making the world a better place, nothing gave him more joy than his family. Phil loved making memories with his family through experiences: creating his own and enjoying culinary cuisines around the globe, cooking with his granddaughter Addie, sharing stories, dancing with Judi, playing golf, racquetball, tennis, bowling, downhill skiing in his happy place at Steamboat Springs, CO, winning at Blackjack and Craps, watching IU Basketball, and BVI catamaran sailing just to name a few.

Phil is survived by his wife Judi Stinson; sister, Bonnie (John) Hess;  brother, Sam Stinson; his children, Brad Stinson and Lori Stinson (Lea Smith); granddaughter, Addie Stinson (Nate Goss); nieces, Sarah (Tom) Williams and Gretchen (Paul) Cahill; nephew, Alex (Mary) Hess; brother-in-law Denny (Susan) Grotrian; and sister-in-law, Joyce Sines.

Although hearing his infamous stories and belly laugh, and seeing him enjoy his favorite foods diminished because of Parkinson’s PSP, his determination of fighting Parkinson’s, was inspirational. He worked daily to keep his mobility.

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to Dr. Tara Kimbason, Nurses, Fixel Institute in Gainesville, PTs, OTs, Speech Therapists, and CNAs that helped him. Thank you to Stillwater Hospice who would eventually provide amazing services there and at home in the final week.

A celebration of a life well lived will be on Friday, November 22nd at Charlie’s Place, 4201 N Wells St, Fort Wayne, IN. The open house style event will be from 4 PM – 8 PM with celebratory toast remarks around 6 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Turnstone – Parkinson’s Area – in honor of Phil Stinson (https://turnstone.org/donate) or Stillwater Hospice.