Phillip James John “P.J” Sloan, 86, of Taylorville, IL, passed away very peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2026, with his wife Audrey at his side.

Born December 23, 1939, Phil had a severe case of wanderlust from the start. As a toddler, he would frequently climb the back gate and go exploring, expeditions that usually ended with the police calling his mother and reporting,”Mrs. Sloan, we have your son here with us – again!” He stayed put long enough to graduate from Fenton High School in Bensenville, IL, in 1957, but within two weeks of graduation, he started basic training in the United States Marines. He served proudly for five years, attaining the rank of corporal and establishing a close and life long friendship with fellow Marine Jim Ivins. Phil’s time in the
Marines instilled a fierce patriotism that he carried with him for the rest of his life.

After leaving the Marines, Phil indulged his wanderlust for many years, meandering wherever his fancy took him and working a wide variety of jobs all over the Midwest and West. Without question his favorite was the two years spent at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood in Oregon where he learned to ski and yodel. (His skiing was definitely better than his yodeling.) Eventually he settled in the trades, working mostly as a carpenter and eventually safety coordinator on construction sites. Once retired, he enjoyed the freedom
to do pretty much as he pleased, tinkering in his garage and avidly following the ups and downs of the Bears and Cubs. Mostly downs, but the ups made it all worthwhile. He loved folk music, especially that of the Kingston Trio and Folk Legacy Trio, attending so many concerts (50 plus) that he was on a first name basis with their members. His sense of humor and quick wit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, Audrey, he is survived by his daughter Kathleen Schabelski (Jay), grandson, Alan Schabelski, his sister Judy Hoffenkamp (Roger), many nieces and nephews and his cat, Ron, who became a faithful armchair companion when Phil’s declining health kept him at home. He was preceded in death by his brother, David (Donna); his parents, John and Fern; and his stepfather, Jack Snowberg.

Services will be held on Friday, February 20 at 10 am at Printy Funeral Home, 405 Cherry Street, Carthage. Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donation to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, VA, or Fur Love in Taylorville, IL, appreciated.