Jethro Phinizy was born on August 14, 1933 in Barnwell, South Carolina to the late Deacon Willie Phinizy and the late Estella Dandridge Phinizy.   He was born into a family of eight children.  Jethro often boasted of the spiritual blessings that came along with being "a seventh" child.

Jethro attended the public schools of Aiken County and graduated from Martha Schofield High School, Aiken, South Carolina.   He furthered his education through business schools and community college.

While living in Aiken, South Carolina, Jethro met and married Sara Jackson Phinizy who became his soul mate. To this union were born three children.  Jethro and Sara moved to California in 1959 where Jethro was employed with the Rubber Mill Company and Triangle Conduit. He later worked in management at Dow Chemical until his retirement.   He was highly-valued and acknowledged on many occasions for his outstanding services with the Dow Chemical Company.

Like most youngsters of the era in which he was born, Jethro was taught at a very early age, the need to have a personal relationship with God.   As a result of his Christian up-bringing, he accepted Christ early in life and was baptized as a public confession of his faith in Christ.

Jethro later united with Stewart Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of Pastor Rayford Bell. He became very active in the church; he sang in the Men'sChoir and served as a Steward until his health started to fail.

Jethro, affectionately known by his family and friends as "Jet," was an avid sports fan. Those who knew him well would say that Jethro loved ALL sports, especially basketball.  No one could challenge him about facts and statistics related to basketball teams---especially the New York Knicks.  He was equally knowledgeable about other sports, including football, baseball, and soccer.  In his younger days, he played recreational baseball with local community sports programs. It was well known that he was a talented athlete.  Jethro was well-liked and appreciated by many friends and family. He will be greatly missed by everyone who was blessed to know him.

After a lengthy illness, Jethro departed this life on March 25, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Estella Phinizy; sister, Carrie Bell Phinizy; brothers, William Phinizy, Willie James Phinizy, Miller Phinizy, and the Reverend Charlie Willie Phinizy.

Jethro leaves to cherish his memories: a loving and devoted wife, Sara Phinizy; one daughter, Charlotte Ann Phinizy; two sons, Willie Phinizy and Waymond Phinizy; two brothers, Gus Phinizy and John Phinizy, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family, and friends.