Jackie Jay Phillips, The Man, the Myth, The Legend left this world way too soon on October 25, 2022. Jackie began his adventure in Raton New Mexico on August 9th, 1956 when he was born to Virginia and J.J. Phillips. Over the next 50 years, Jackie would travel the country from one horse racetrack to another having a blast, caring for some awesome horses, making great friends, and living life to the fullest. He was a jockey valet, a groom, a horse trainer, a gate hand, and an all-around horseman. “Snuffy” as he was affectionately called, was known throughout the racetrack community far and wide from Kentucky to California, New Mexico to Nebraska, and anywhere in between. He spent the last 16 years in Raton enjoying his new career at KCRT Radio where he found a second family at the radio station and became a huge fan of Raton Tiger Sports especially his two favorite players his nieces Abigail and Samantha Phillips. From the tee ball field to the varsity court, he made It his mission to be at every game to support the girls and their teammates. Jackie was fun, kind, loyal, and generous. Although only truly an uncle to a few people he went on to become known as “Uncle Jackie” to friends, family, and coworkers alike. Jackie will be missed by many for years to come. He was always the cool uncle. He’d keep his five nephews from getting well-deserved discipline, taught Stone how to shoot spit wads at his dad, and would tirelessly pull Ella, Abigail, and Samantha all over the earth in a red radio flyer wagon. He was proud of the Phillips family legacy but free-spirited enough to be perhaps the only race tracker to jam with Bob Marley, rock his bell bottoms in the disco era, and attend every Grateful Dead concert he could. Jackie was a true testament to the fact that it’s not how many years are in your life but how much life is in your years.
Jackie Phillips is survived by his sister JoAnn Bomar of Glen Rose Texas and sister In-law Anita Phillips of Raton. Nephews Dusty Bomar and wife Kim of Glen Rose Texas, Rob Bomar and Shannon of Glen Rose Texas, Sam Bomar of Hobbs, New Mexico, David Phillips, and partner Lisa Turgeon, and Jason Phillips and wife Tenelle of Raton.
Jackie was preceded in death by his parents J.J. and Virginia Phillips as well as his sister Georgia Phillips, brother-in-law Wayne Bomar and his brother and best friend Lory Phillips.
A celebration of Jackie’s life will take place on November 12th, 2022, at 10:00 AM at the Lighthouse Church at 1310 South 2nd Street in Raton, followed by a gathering at the Raton Elks Lodge Immediately after. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Raton Tiger Booster Club in his honor.
