Jay Burdette Phelps, 84, of Las Vegas, NV passed away on December 16th, 2020.
Jay was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandpa, and friend. His family was always his utmost priority. He will be dearly remembered for his rich laughter and witty remarks, his love of grilling with friends and family, his love of the outdoors through camping, fishing, and gardening, and his passion for airplanes.
He was born on September 16th, 1936 to Clyde and Arthella Phelps of South Jordan, Utah as the fourth of five children. He told many stories of his upbringing on the farm, including those of his cherished horse Spanky. He deeply loved all of his siblings, and especially admired his older brother, Max, who served in the Navy and inspired Jay to join the armed forces himself. Jay joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953 and went on to serve his country for over 20 years and committed an additional 20 years to civil service.
Jay retired as a Tech Sergeant after serving his country all over the globe. He served as Crew Chief for the Foster Air Force Base Commander in Victoria, Texas. At Ramey Air Force Base, in Puerto Rico, he was the NCOIC of the maintenance shop for the Hurricane Hunters Squadron. His service included two tours in Vietnam. He was stationed at Tan Son Nhut Airfield, working on the flight line keeping C130’s flight-ready. He was the crew chief for the C130’s at Torrejon Air Force Base in Spain. Jay received many military decorations for his devotion to his country, including: the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, The Air Force Good Conduct Medal, The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and The Air Force Longevity Service Award.
He will be deeply missed by his wife Ann E. Phelps as well as his brother Monte, and his many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
At 10:30 AM on January 5th, 2021, a church service will be held at the Liberty Baptist Church at 6501 West Lake Mead Blvd. 89108. There will then be a memorial service held at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City at 1:00 PM.
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Daddy- you are missed so much. I am thankful that you were my dad and i got to spend as much time as I did with you. I am grateful for all lessons and fatherly advice through the years. I am who I because of you. I love you!!!❤️
A wonderful man who will be dearly missed! I appreciate him being a great Grandpa to my sons.
I Love You Daddy! I miss you! I know you’re happy and watching over ALL your family now!
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man. I never had the honor to meet Jay, but Laura told me stories and showed me many pictures of her Dad.
Heaven got another sweet angel.
Daddy’s are a daughter’s first love.
How lucky we are to have someone so hard to lose.
My deepest sympathy to Laura and her family.
Love to you all,
Terry and Kevin Paulsen
Ann, Sending you lots of Love. I’m so sad for your loss
Love Michele