Joseph Peter Patrick Philip,
Jr.
March 18, 1947 --
Joseph Peter Patrick Philip, Jr.
March 18, 1947 --
KwanJangNim
Dean of non Asian Grand Masters
Viet Nam Veteran -- United States Marine
Corps
Grand Master -- Chung do Kwan Tae Kwon-Do
(This
Celebration of Life is prepared for Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Services)
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Joseph, born in New Orleans, has journeyed around our Sun 74 times. He lives in Waterloo, Iowa while battling Advanced Stage IV-B cancer that has metastasized to his bones, lymph nodes, and lungs, after being exposed to Agent Orange while serving his Country in Viet Nam during the 1960's. After diagnosis, he has fought for 21 years, recently spending 18 months in Arizona, where he received advanced treatment. He has undergone a total of 60 Chemotherapy infusions, is receiving palliative care through the VA Health Care System, and concurrent care through Cedar Valley Hospicc. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he earned the rank of Sergeant before his 20th birthday. Sergeant Philip was decorated with 13 ribbons and medals, including the Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star for valor in Viet Nam. In spite his 21 year battle with cancer, Grand Master Philip's dedication to teaching the Traditional style of Chung do Kwan Tae Kwon-Do has produced an unprecedented 962 Distinguished Black Belts, including a Grand Master, 6 Senior Masters, 29 Master Instructors, and 424 Junior Black Belts. He is the only French Creole (African American) to become an International Tournament Official, Referee and Certified "Grand Master." From 1976 to 1990, he served as Chairman and Chief Instructor of the Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota Region of the American Chung do Kwan Tae Kwon-Do Association (ACTA). During his tenure, he was responsible for supervising 18 Instructors and presiding as Chief Testing Judge for more than 15,000 students, including 3,000 Black Belts. Grand Master Philip began his career in Des Moines in 1969. After intensive training in Topeka, Kansas, SabBumNim return to Iowa in 1976 to become Chief Instructor of the UNI Tae Kwon-Do Club on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa, where he directed the Sport Club for 44 years. He is the only French Creole (African American) to achieve a ranking higher than the 3rd Dan. In 2007, through the wisdom of the Korean Grand Masters, Joseph Philip, while a 7th Dan, was respected with the title "KwanJangNim" (Head of Household), making him the only non Asian to hold that title. In 2020, he became the first non Asian 9th Dan and Grand Master. For several years, he was a CPR and First Aid Instructor for the American Red Cross, served on the Board of Directors of the Conestoga Council of Girl Scouts, the Black Hawk-Grundy Mental Health Center, the Black Hawk County Economic Development Board , and the My Waterloo Days Committee. He also served as Commandant of the Black Hawk Detachment of the Marine Corps League. In 2008, KwanJangNim was presented the Golden Dome Award, the highest award presented by an Iowa Governor to State employees. He is a general aviation pilot and member of the Disabled American Veterans (100% Service Connected). He is a contributor to UNI's Relay for Life, and St. Jude Children's Hospital.SabBumNim's favorite and relaxing pastimes include "night-time pattern flying", and "shooting approaches" at the Waterloo airport after a TKD class at the University, spending quality time with his Grand Son Graham, visiting/camping in America's National Parks, and being a Memorial Day Indy 500 Season Ticket holder for 45 years. GrandPaNim's family include his daughter Master Melissa, 4th Dan (Yeah Daddy!), of Waterloo; Aunt Celestine Boguille of San Diego; adaptive Mom & Dad Tim and Linda Harem of LeGrand, Iowa, and a host of family. Loyal students, Grand Master Daniel Marr, 8th Dan, (Christa); Senior Master Brian Gongol, 7th Dan, (Sara); Senior Master Jerel Krueger, 7th Dan, (Christina); Senior Master Christopher Scherrer, 7th Dan; Master Matthew Rector, 5th Dan, (Abigail); Master Aaron Reinecke, 4th Dan; Mr. Michael Wallace, 2nd Dan, (Julie). Best good friend, Master Trenton Harem 5th Dan, (Anna), his Mon ami', trusted advisor, most special friend and care giver, and Jake, his cat. He is preceeded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna Mae, and Snagglepus, Junior, Popcorn, Frank, Trouble and MarMar, his long time cats. KwanJangJim's funeral services will include a flag draped wooden casket, hand crafted by the Trappist Monks of New Melleray Abbey in Peosta, Iowa. Internment will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery (I 80 Van Meter exit) west of Des Moines, where he will receive full military grave-side honors. Services will be conducted by his student who holds a 2nd Dan, Father Andrew Windschitl, an Iowa Paster. |
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