Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Members of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service give a 21 gun salute at the Memorial Service of long time Tribal Council member Harold “Jiggs” Phillips.

Principal Chief Chad Smith spoke at the funeral of Cherokee Nation Tribal Council member Harold “Jiggs” Phillips on Sunday, November 10. Phillips passed away earlier in the week after serving on the Council for more than 17 years. The following passage is an excerpt from Principal Chief Smith’s eulogy:

It is my highest and most somber honor to appear here today speaking for the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee people.

Jiggs Phillips accomplished many things in his life. Included in those accomplishments is that he was a great statesman, devoted diplomat, proud patriot of both the Cherokee Nation and the United States and humble servant of the people.

As a statesman, Jiggs Phillips took the high road, never disparaged anyone, deliberated each and every issue, and did what was right for the Cherokee people. He was not the common politician that took office for what he could get out of it. As a Councilman of the Cherokee Nation he set the standard for public decorum and duty. On a personal note, I often would ask Jiggs for his advice. His advice in times of controversy would be to stay the course and be patient.

As a diplomat, Jiggs guided the Cherokee Nation through one of the most challenging and toughest times in the last 100 years. During the Cherokee Constitutional Crisis of five years ago, Jiggs Phillips took strong positions to support the Cherokee Constitutional government but he set aside all personal issues and brought reason to all sides. It was his guidance that helped hold together this great tribal nation. He did not fall into pettiness or bigotry; he refused to be divisive. He elected to bring people together focusing on a common goal.

As a patriot, Jiggs Phillips strongly supported the governments of both the Cherokee Nation and the United States. He held firm the process of law and government to protect us individually and as a community of people. When others wanted skirt or disobey the rule of law, he was always there demanding adherence. He did not shun public duty nor wring his hands and complain. He stood up and took responsibility for the future of the Cherokee Nation.

As a public servant, Jiggs Phillips was a forceful and perseverant advocate for people. He never forgot that he was there for service not for reward. He listened to the people and spoke for them. He never was assuming or never forgot where he was from. Unlike some who take public office and who become arrogant and full of themselves, Jiggs was a member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council for one purpose only, to serve his fellow Cherokees.

The Cherokees have had such men and women in its history; men and women such as Sequoyah, John Ross, Redbird Smith, J.B. Milam and Wilma Mankiller.

We each feel the loss with Jiggs Phillip’s passing, we acknowledge his contributions but even greater we must accept and pass on his legacy. He has with his service provided us a model, and example and a profile of real Cherokee leadership which every citizen of our Nation, young and old, in public or private service can and should emulate.

Since Jiggs Phillips was an advocate for education, the Cherokee Nation will fund a scholarship in his memory.

For the grieving family, please know that surrounds you a nation grieving with you and holds its arms wide to comfort you. We offer Virginia, his devoted wife, a blanket of comfort with the Cherokee seal to remind her of our caring. In those moments of sorrow, she can wrap herself in a symbol of the prayers and warmth of the Cherokee people.

In recognition and honor of Jiggs Phillips leadership, I ask the family to please accept this flag of the Cherokee Nation, as a humble symbol of our gratitude as a nation.

--Chad Smith, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief
Speaking at the Memorial Service for Harold “Jiggs” Phillips,
Cherokee Nation Tribal Council Member, November 10, 2002