R. Jay Phillips, founder of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ Bank Operations Institute and longtime instructor for both the institute and Nuts and Bolts of Banking, passed away on October 29 in Dallas. He was 77.
A graduate of East Texas State University with a degree in music, Phillips played tuba and began his career directing school bands before following his father into banking. He served as chairman, president and CEO of banks and bank holding companies across Texas, including InterFirst Bank, NCNB Texas, Corpus Christi Bancshares and West Texas State Bank. He guided Corpus Christi Bancshares through its 1993 listing on the American Stock Exchange. Known for restoring troubled institutions, he took pride in the fact that no bank failed under his leadership or supervision.
Above all, Phillips was a teacher. Rather than simply giving answers, he helped others discover them. He also led professional development at the University of Texas–Dallas and established Cerfis Group, advising and educating bankers nationwide.
Phillips met Andy Slipher in Dallas in 1999. Partners for more than 27 years, they married at San Francisco City Hall and shared friendships, travel, motorcoach adventures and their beloved pets. Music remained central to Phillips’ life, especially classical and brass music, including the marches of John Philip Sousa. He and Andy supported Dallas Winds, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Turtle Creek Chorale.
Phillips is survived by his husband, Andy Slipher; his son, J.R. Phillips, and grandson, Jake; Jeffrey Slipher and Cathy Hernandez; Adam Slipher and children Clayton and Colette; and Alison and Stephen Todd and sons Griffin, Grayden and Gavin.
A celebration of Phillips’ life was held on November 12 in Dallas—fittingly, on the same day that IBAT’s 2026 Bank Operations Institute concluded there.
